With tensions running high after the Batla House demolition deadline issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), following a Supreme Court order, expired two days ago, some political leaders who had so far remained silent locally have begun engaging with Batla House residents.
Among them is Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, which had fielded Shifaur Rehman as its candidate from Okhla in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections. Rehman lost the election, finishing third, while incumbent MLA Amanatullah Khan of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured his third consecutive victory from the constituency. The issue of Khasra No 279 in Batla House demolition case gained attention after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) pasted eviction notices on several houses on May 26, giving residents 15 days to vacate. The DDA claims the land belongs to it, while residents argue they possess valid legal documents proving ownership. Since then, many affected families have approached the courts seeking interim relief in Batla House demolition case — though most have been unsuccessful so far. Two days ago the court gave local residents of Batla House right to file appropriate proceedings before appropriate forum within 3 working days.
The OT’s Md Shadab Sarwar spoke exclusively to AIMIM’s Delhi president, Shoaib Jamaee — often described as Owaisi’s ‘man Friday’ — to understand the party’s stance, response, and roadmap for families affected by the Batla House demolitions. Excerpts:
Q: What is the AIMIM’s stand regarding the Muradi Road demolition issue?
A: Unfortunately, the situation on Muradi Road in Batla House demolition has not moved in the right direction. The time which was available could have been used more effectively. However, we are now working on every remaining legal remedy at the last moment for the residents of Khasra 279 Muradi Road in Batla House.
Q: Why have you avoided political statements on this issue so far?
A: I deliberately stayed away from political rhetoric because this is not the time for politics. Just yesterday, we spoke with current and former Okhla MLAs Asif Md Khan of the Congress and Amanatullah Khan of the AAP. They had approached the court, but the PIL they filed was not handled properly. It was poorly drafted, and the matter of maintainability was not addressed. Even the High Court asked why the actual victims weren’t petitioning themselves.
Q: You said previous legal actions, such as the PIL, were mishandled. On what grounds are you making this serious claim? Is this a political statement?
A: Absolutely. The PIL filed in the Supreme Court was a desperate and hurried attempt. According to senior lawyers, it lacked proper preparation. There was no map included, and the petition didn’t meet basic maintainability standards. Filing a petition late at night and publicising it the next morning in the media did more harm than good. (He was indirectly attacking Amanatullah Khan. It was he who had filed the PIL and then on the Delhi High Court advice he withdrew it. The HC indicated that passing a general order of protection through a PIL in such a case could “jeopardise cases of the individual litigant”.)
Q: What role has AIMIM played in this matter so far?
A: Our party has been closely monitoring the issue from the beginning. We chose not to make public statements or seek media attention. Today is the first time I’m speaking on this matter publicly, despite many national and local media outlets approaching us earlier. We’ve been quietly working on real solutions, not publicity.
Q: Is there any coordination between leaders of different parties to address the issue legally?
A: Yes, we had late-night discussions around 1:30–2:00 AM and suggested a joint approach. Several leaders, including Khateeb and Asif Mohammad Khan, were present. We agreed that it’s no longer the time for blame games but to pool our information and resources, sit with victims, and approach the courts together.
Q: Are you offering legal support to affected residents?
A: Yes, we are actively helping victims by providing free legal aid. Our lawyers are working at no cost to the affected families. We’re building petitions and planning to file them in the Supreme Court in Batla House demolition. Anyone — Congress, AAP, or others — with credible information is welcome to collaborate. We aren’t seeking credit; we’re focused on solutions. (UPDATE: Shoaib said the list of lawyers who will help the affected residents for free are: Adv Anas Tanweer, Adv Umed Ali, Adv Faiyaz Khalid and Adv Saddam Mujib)
A: Some individuals from Congress have shown willingness. Asif was also open to working together. But it seems AAP leaders are still hesitant. This shouldn’t be about ego — it’s time to put aside political differences and work collectively.
Q: What lessons were learned from previous petitions?
A: We’ve seen how earlier petitions, like the one by Salman Khurshid, were dismissed. The Supreme Court asked for individual petitions. So now, we’re preparing carefully and urging everyone to act responsibly.
Q: Why wasn’t the PM-UDAY scheme used to prevent this situation?
A: Since 2019, the PM-UDAY scheme has been available to regularise unauthorised colonies. Our current MLA should have helped residents register under this scheme by setting up camps, providing laptops, and guiding people. It’s a serious failure of leadership, especially for someone serving their third term.
Q: What steps are you planning to take next?
A: We’re planning to form a delegation to meet the Lieutenant Governor, as DDA comes under his jurisdiction. Despite everything, we still have some legal and administrative options left, and we’ll pursue them till the very end to help these families.
Q: On a personal note, how do you see this situation?
A: I am just a son or brother of the affected residents. What if my own home were at risk? How would my family feel? The people in Batla House demolition affected are suffering mentally — especially those who’ve lived here for 40–50 years. Suddenly hearing that their homes will be demolished has thrown them into trauma. This isn’t just about one house; it’s about 40, 50 buildings. If we don’t act now, this issue will grow larger. No one should think they’re safe just because it hasn’t reached their door yet. The danger will come for everyone. We must come together to stop it.
