New Delhi, 16 January (H.S.): Following Delhi High Court intervention on shelter provisions for the homeless during biting cold, authorities installed 70 pagoda tents across the capital within two days, as informed to Chief Justice DK Upadhyay by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma on Friday.Sharma reported that a meeting with the Principal District and Sessions Judge prompted the tent erection and takeover of all subways for cleaning, ensuring no homeless individuals endure open exposure in freezing conditions over the past 48 hours.

The court expressed satisfaction with the January 15 meeting outcomes, including subway reclamations.When AIIMS revealed plans for a 3,000-bed rest house on two acres, the court inquired about donation acceptance—affirmed by counsel—directing Sharma to solicit generous contributions from Delhi High Court Bar Association members.

Association President and senior advocate N. Hariharan appeared via video conferencing, pledging support akin to Punjab flood relief efforts, with Sharma committing personal donation first.

On January 14, Chief Justice Upadhyay had declared shelter deprivation tantamount to violating the right to life in India's welfare state, castigating government shirking of constitutional duties amid patients and attendants enduring nights sub zero at AIIMS and other hospitals.

The court impleaded MCD, NDMC, DMRC, PWD, DDA, DJB, Delhi Police Commissioner, and major hospitals including Safdarjung, LHMC, and RML; it mandated Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to secure subway shelters near hospitals, identify vacant plots for tents or pandals with full inter-agency cooperation—threatening action against non-compliant officials—and convene under Saket Principal District Judge, effectuated January 15.

Suo motu cognizance arose January 12, issuing notices to Centre, Delhi government, and Shelter Board, with CJ Upadhyay emphasizing governmental hypersensitivity: God forbid, but enduring a night under open skies would be unimaginable; ensure adequate shelter space and amenities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar