HC pulls up MCD for demolishing night shelter

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for demolishing a night shelter in the name of beautification drive and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in the city.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for demolishing a night shelter in the name of beautification drive and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in the city.

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The court said there was an obligation on the civic agency to provide shelter to homeless persons in the capital. “How can you demolish the night shelter with no regard for people living there? Under the law (MCDAct), it is your obligation to provide night shelter to homeless people in the capital,” a bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah said.

The High Court directed the MCD to place before it the order under which the night shelter on Pusa Road was demolished on December 22 without providing alternative accommodation to people living there.

“Have you thought of the suffering of people who suffered due to the demolition? Winter is severe in the city and you give an explanation for demolition on the ground of beautification and Commonwealth Games. Show us the order under which it was demolished,” the bench said.

The MCD, however, apologised for its action and informed the court that alternative arrangements have been made for the people living there from January 1. The court has listed the matter for further hearing tomorrow.