New Delhi, May 30(HS): The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the bulldozer action on 115 properties in Khizar Baba Colony, Batla House, until the next hearing on August 4. Justice Sachin Datta's bench has directed the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department to respond. Residents, represented by lawyer Dr. Farukh Khan, argued against the UP government's eviction notice, stating it was arbitrary and lacked legal basis since the government does not hold ownership rights to the properties.

The petitioners have lived there for many years, highlighting that in 1991, the UP government filed a civil suit for eviction, which was dismissed by the court. The High Court also rejected the UP government's appeal in July 2013, and since then, no further legal action has been pursued by them. Now, they have reissued a notice to vacate.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar