Residents closely followed Wednesday’s developments in the Batla House demolition case, eagerly awaiting news of interim relief. The update, shared by Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan on social media, was met with relief by many in the community.
“… today the cases of 12 properties from Muradi Road, Batla House were heard in Saket Court. Senior lawyer Colonel Singh appeared in all of them. The court granted a stay on all 12 cases until July 17. So far, 44 properties have received stay orders. The remaining 7 cases are scheduled to be heard in the High Court,” he posted on X in Hindi.
आज अल्हम्दुलिल्लाह मुरादी रोड बटला हाउस की 12 प्रॉपर्टी का केस साकेत कोर्ट में लगा था जिन सभी में सीनियर वकील कर्नल सिंह जी पेश हुए सभी 12 केस में साकेत कोर्ट ने 17 july तक stay करदिया अभी तक 44 प्रॉपर्टी पर stay आचुका है बाक़ी बचे 7 केस में हाई कोर्ट में सुनवाई होनी है ! pic.twitter.com/8nunQp8ZVT
— Amanatullah Khan AAP (@KhanAmanatullah) June 18, 2025
Though Wednesday’s developments brought some relief to residents, worry and tension remained visible on their faces, a mood that has persisted since Tuesday, when police barricades appeared on Muradi Road. Residents said police even returned on Wednesday to conduct a drone survey of the area.
Tensions have been high in Batla House, particularly in Khasra Number 279, ever since the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) pasted eviction notices on 52 properties declaring them illegal, following a Supreme Court order. Residents were given 15 days to vacate the premises and the deadline expired on June 11. Since then residents approached the Delhi High Court and Saket Court, where they began receiving relief. Khasra number 279 measuring 34 bighas is talk of the town and of which demolition orders have been issued only for constructions on 2 bighas and 10 biswas.
“44 properties out of 52 have received stay orders in Batla House demolition case”
According to sources familiar with the matter, around 44 properties have secured interim relief from the courts. Yet, fear and uncertainty continue to dominate the locality. Many residents said their homes and businesses are at risk, and they are left with no option but to seek protection through legal channels.
The exact number of residents who have received interim relief in Batla House demolition case could not be independently verified by the OT. It is understood that many have got it.
We’re under so much stress: Resident Faheem
Muradi road resident Faheem whose shop got eviction notice said: “We’re under so much stress. Where will we go if they demolish our house? A home is built with great difficulty. We’ve even got stay orders — some from the lower court, some from the High Court. The Supreme Court itself had said we should go to the lower court and get relief.”
The area, they insist, is not a recent illegal encroachment, he said. “This is not a slum. This colony is at least 50 years old. I was born in Batla House and I am 67 now. In all these years, never have we heard that this place is illegal. Women in the locality, particularly those living alone or without male family members present, are extremely anxious. They are scared. Many of their husbands work outside Delhi. These women don’t know where to go or what to do. Even landlords are refusing to rent out places out of fear.”
“Shops, small businesses in Muradi Road market feeling heat”
Shops and small businesses in Muradi Road market are also feeling the heat, he said. “Our shop got a notice. Businesses here have come to a standstill. One shop alone can be worth crore. If these are demolished, what options will be left for us? If the shops go, our livelihoods go with them.”
On the arrival of barricades in Muradi Road on Tuesday night, Mahmood Ahmed said: “Police have their own role. Sometimes barricades are placed just to manage traffic. This may not directly be linked to demolition. Out of 52 houses which had got notices, at least 45 [44] have received stay orders. The remaining residents are still being heard. We are hopeful they will also get relief,” said Mahmood Ahmed, who is following Batla House demolition case from day one.
Sarwar, who has lived the area since his childhood, said in his 40 years of living in Batla House, no one had ever imagined the area was considered encroached. “If the houses are demolished, residents will be left homeless with nowhere to go,” he said.
Jaleem, also known as Babu, said court hearings are expected to resume after the summer vacation in July in Batla House demolition case. “Residents are placing their hopes on the judiciary to grant permanent relief,” he said.
Until then, tension remains high and uncertainty continues to hang over the future of many families and businesses in Batla House.
A resident nearby said the arrival of police and survey teams cause panic among locals, who fear that Batla House demolition could happen at any moment. However, some residents believe the officials and administration are simply carrying out their duties. Fearing imminent action, some families have already begun moving their belongings to rented accommodations, he said.
