Batla House demolition notice for houses and shops in Khasra numbers 277 and 279 is giving sleepless nights to affected residents and their close family members living outside Delhi. These two Khasras fall within the same neighbourhood, and since the notices were posted — by the UP Irrigation Department for Khasra 277 and the DDA for Khasra 279 (following a Supreme Court order) — residents of Muradi Road in Batla House have expressed deep concern that the demolition will leave them homeless and destitute.
An elderly woman identified as Amma said: “If my building is demolished, where will I find a rental home to accommodate my three daughters? The demolition of houses will leave many people poor. Where will they go if their homes are destroyed? The government and those ordering the demolition should provide an alternative. We are all praying that we receive relief from the Supreme Court.”
LATEST UPDATE:
Batla House demolition case reaches Supreme Court: Important update
Many residents claim that the move is unjust and arbitrary, as they have been living in the area for ages, paying electricity bills, and holding other legal documents as proof of residence.
Even as a cloud of gloom hangs over the residents due to Batla House demolition notices, many residents remain hopeful that the courts will grant them relief. Residents of both Khasra 277 and 279 have decided to approach the courts. An activist handling the Khasra 279 case said: “Things are on track, and within a day, we will file a petition in the Supreme Court for relief.” The OT has learned from a reliable source that a senior SC lawyer is collecting affidavits from affected residents to move forward with the case.
Two bighas and 10 biswas are under scrutiny in Khasra 279, as per the Supreme Court’s order.
Batla House demolition: Uneasy calm in Jamia Nagar
There is an uneasy calm not only on Muradi Road but across Jamia Nagar, as the Batla House demolition notices have become the main talk of the town. Some fear that the action may not stop here, and areas like Shaheen Bagh, Abul Fazal Enclave, and others may also be targeted.
A resident, Noushu, said ever since the news surfaced of Batla House demolition in national and social media, his family members from outside Delhi have been calling him to find out the real situation. “Some in the media and on social media have sensationalised the incident, as if all of Batla House and Jamia Nagar will be demolished in fifteen days — far from reality. It’s difficult to explain to family members outside Delhi that the issue pertains only to Muradi Road, specifically Khasras 277 and 279, and that the decision is not final. Legal steps are being taken to seek relief.”
The situation on Muradi Road remains tense and uncertain following Batla House demolition notices, as legal battles continue and residents face serious consequences. The outcomes of the upcoming court hearings will play a critical role in shaping the future of the area and protecting the rights of those affected.
In the meantime, a small number of affected residents are worried about what will happen if there is a legal setback in worst case. Keeping this in mind, a few have started looking for alternatives and have decided at least to move their household items and belongings to safer places to avoid last-minute chaos and the destruction of valuable possessions in the melee. According to the notice, the demolition process in Khasra 279 is scheduled to begin on June 11, just five days after Eid-ul-Adha — an important festival celebrated by Muslims around the world. The timing of the notice has undoubtedly dampened the festive spirit of the affected residents, said one activist.
Batla House demolition: Latest update on Khasra 277
Khasra 277 is located within Khizar Baba Colony and a dargah dedicated to Khwaja Khizr Baba is located a few metres from Khaliullah Mosque. A notice pasted on February 22 claiming that the land belongs to UP irrigation department and hence should be vacated in five days time rattled the residents and shopkeepers as the lane is lined up with many shops some well decked-up showrooms. Muradi Road market area is a popular business hub.
The notice is in Hindi, and a rough translation is presented here. “This is to inform the general public that in Village Okhla, at Khasra Number 277 (Khizar Baba Colony, Muradi Road), Delhi,) land belonging to the Irrigation Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh has been illegally encroached upon, and permanent structures such as houses and shops have been constructed. These illegally constructed houses and shops must be removed within 15 days. Otherwise, in the event of any damage, you will be solely responsible,” reads the notice pasted on several houses. The notice was on February 23.
A local resident, Haji Usman, whose house is affected, told the OT that he had not received any prior notice from the authorities. “I have been living in this area since 1992, and we have all the proper documents that were issued at that time. Suddenly, they are saying that within 15 days we must vacate our homes, shops, and buildings. You need somewhere to go. I might somehow manage, but what about the rest of my extended family, tenants, and others? Around 80 to 90 per cent of the affected people have nowhere else to go. Everyone lives and earns here. Our appeal is that, instead of acting with bias, the authorities should look at this situation with compassion,” said 63-year-old Usman.
Local leader Mahmood Ahmed told the OT that all the affected families are approaching the High Court for relief.
“We believe the High Court will provide relief. This notice was issued by the UP Irrigation Department, and they don’t even have a proper order. Earlier, UP Irrigation had put up similar notices in Okhla Vihar Patti and Nai Basti. That was done recently in four places, and stays were granted in the previous three. So we believe this fourth case will also receive relief from the High Court. We will also take the matter to the Supreme Court. People have been living here for 50 to 70 years,” he said.
Another resident, holding several documents and old photographs, said: “We are fully prepared with our legal case and hope to receive a favourable court order soon.” To support his claim that he has been residing on the land now claimed encroached, he said: “I am showing you photographs that are 40–45 years old. The installation of electricity meters, and borewells are enough proof of longstanding habitation.”
Batla House demolition: Latest update on Khasra 279
Residents of Khasra 279, who would typically be busy preparing for Eid-ul-Adha at this time, are instead facing unprecedented hardship following the DDA notice posted on their buildings. While they are gathering their documents to approach the Supreme Court for relief — and remain hopeful — many are experiencing anxiety due to the looming threat of demolition scheduled for June 11, hanging over them like a sword of Damocles.
Detailed breakdown: Khasra 279 (demolition zone)
Total land area: 34 bighas, 8 biswas
13 bighas, 14 biswas: Vacant (no action required)
11 bighas, 11 biswas: Owned by UP Irrigation Department (no action required)
9 bighas, 3 biswas: Contains illegal structures:
5 bighas, 15 biswas: Under DDA (demolition mandated)
3 bighas, 5 biswas: Under PM-UDAY scheme (protected)
2 bighas, 10 biswas: Outside PM-UDAY (demolition mandated)
The May 26 notice was put in both English and Hindi and said: “Whereas, the land of Khasra number 279 village Okhla is acquired DDA/Government land…and a part of the subject land has unauthorised encroachment.
“And whereas, the Supreme Court…has directed the Delhi Development Authority and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to take action of demolition of illegal/unauthorised structures in said Khasra number 279 village Okhla in relation to the area lying outside PM-UDAY colony boundary. And whereas the SC has directed that such action shall be taken after giving 15 days notice to the occupants of such illegal/unauthorised structures.
“And whereas, this building/structure has been found to be an illegal/unauthorised structure falling in khasra number 279 village Okhla outside PMA-UDAY colony boundary. Now therefore in pursuance with the directions of the SC to take action of demolition in accordance with law in respect of illegal/unauthorised structures and in order to recover precious DDA/Government land, the occupants of this building/structure are hereby directed to vacate the premise within 15 days of issuance of this notice. The demolition programmer shall be carried out from 11-06-2025 without any further notice. The occupants of this building/structure have been duly warned.”
When the Batla House demolition notices were posted on their homes, residents poured into the streets to express their dismay. Among them were many who had invested their life savings to purchase expensive flats. Activist Tamanna Khan said: “Why demolish our homes? Bulldoze us too. Where will women and children go?”
An agitated resident, who nonetheless spoke calmly, told the OT that there are around 400 houses in the alley. However, this portal was unable to independently verify the exact number of houses and shops affected by the anti-encroachment drive. Social activist Md Tahir estimated that there are about 500 houses, along with several shops and showrooms that do brisk business not just during festivals but even in lean periods. This can be only rough estimate as official version of exact affected houses is yet made public.
“We’ve been here since 1984. Now, if they want to demolish something that falls under the master plan, let them go ahead — there’s no issue. If a road has to be built, go ahead. No one here objects to that… But if you demolish, provide shelter to those who are displaced. The master plan is about 300 meters away from here. So, what are you trying to show by coming here? What’s the purpose — are you trying to scare the public? What kind of 15-day notice is this? Legally, residents must be given a three-month notice period. We follow the Supreme Court, and we believe in the rule of law. We will abide by the court’s orders,” said the residents, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Batla House demolition: Economic and social fallout
Muradi Road in Batla House is not just a residential area. Its narrow lanes are known for their swanky showrooms, and over the years, the locality has transformed into a bustling commercial hub, especially during festivals. The area is particularly famous for wedding attire and men’s fashion, with shop owners doing roaring business — shop rents in the area are very expensive.
“We’ve invested our life savings. This is our only livelihood,” said one businessman, adding that job losses are imminent if the demolitions proceed.
Now, faced with the threat of demolition, many residents are staring into an uncertain future. “We have daughters to marry and sons preparing for university,” said another passerby, adding that the notice came as a bolt from the blue, shaking their very existence, as the homes they’ve lived in for years are now slated to be gone in just 15 days.
“Many are outsiders who came to Delhi twenty years ago with the dream of making it big. To some extent, they achieved it by buying flats or shops here. But now, suddenly, everything feels dark, as many will have to start from scratch. Life will be truly cruel to these people,” said Rizwan.
Another local resident, who bought a flat two years ago on a loan and recently got married, expressed despair. While interacting with a YouTube channel, he said: “I’m still repaying my EMI. Now my house is under threat. Who will take responsibility?”
Tenants living in the area are also feeling the heat. Some tenants, particularly women, reported that rent prices have surged due to the fear of eviction after Batla House demolition notices. “Landlords are evicting tenants or increasing rents to avoid trouble,” said one resident.
Batla House demolition: YouTubers swarm area
As word spread about the Batla House demolition notice, YouTubers began swarming the area, bombarding residents with intrusive and often bizarre questions, said one local resident. In a video that has surfaced on social media, an activist and poet Aiman Rizvi can be heard commenting that “some people are even happy with the news”, using divisive language such as calling the area “populated by Rohingyas”.
Most residents are now actively avoiding YouTubers and media. However, it has become a common sight to see vloggers thrusting microphones into the faces of affected residents, trying to extract comments. A resident named Rashad, who happened to be passing by a day ago, witnessed one YouTuber urging a shopkeeper to speak. The shopkeeper, however, was hiding his face from the camera, clearly unwilling to comment. When the shopkeeper continued to avoid the camera, the vlogger responded in an unusually high-pitched voice. A few minutes later, the YouTuber stepped out of the shop and claimed, “Off the record, the shop owner told me he has all the necessary documents, but he’s too hesitant to speak on camera.”
Another video that surfaced showed a verbal exchange between two self-proclaimed journalists. One was seen reprimanding the other for pestering an elderly shopkeeper with a long beard, who was clearly reluctant to say anything on the matter. It is understood that the shopkeeper’s store is also among those affected by the notice.
Irresponsible YouTubers labeling residents of Okhla and Shaheen Bagh as Rohingyas or Bangladeshis is nothing new for the locals. In May, a video falsely branded Bangladeshi tourists as “infiltrators” in Shaheen Bagh, garnering 19 million views. At the time, the OT visited Shaheen Bagh and interviewed those same individuals to debunk the disinformation.
