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This is an archive article published on July 25, 2024
Rehabilitate those affected by anti-encroachment drive: SC to Uttarakhand
The court asked Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to convene a meeting in this regard with railway authorities and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The bench however sought to know how proactive Railways had been on the issue. (File Photo)
The Supreme Court Wednesday said that authorities should identify and devolve a scheme for those who are likely to be affected by the drive to evict encroachers in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani.
The court asked Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to convene a meeting in this regard with railway authorities and the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
“As the first initiative, let the land, which is required immediately (for Railways development) be identified with full description. Similarly, the families who are likely to be affected in the event of taking possession of that land also be immediately identified,” a three-judge bench presided by Justice Surya Kant said and directed that the exercise be completed in four weeks time.
The bench also comprising of Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a plea by the Railways seeking modification of the January 5, 2023, order staying the eviction ordered by the Uttarakhand HC.
Appearing for the Railways, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati urged the court to lift the stay on an “incremental basis”. The bench however sought to know how proactive Railways had been on the issue.
Bhati pointed out that proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act 1971 were pending against the alleged encroachers.
Justice Surya Kant said, “Assuming they are encroachers, still…they are all human beings. They have been residing for decades. These are all pucca houses”.
The SC will hear the matter again on September 11, 2024.
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