New Delhi: The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition challenging the demolition of a slum area in Chharanagar, thereby clearing the way for redevelopment in the locality.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh heard the matter. During the hearing, AoR Sumitra Kumari Choudhary (appearing for the petitioner) argued that the petitioner had not been informed why their objections to a Public Notice were rejected. Justice Kant, however, pointed out that 508 beneficiaries had already shifted to alternative housing. “Allow the project to continue,” he told Choudhary.

Government Pleader Gursharan H. Virk, appearing for the respondents, informed the Court that, in fact, 740 out of 741 occupants had accepted the rehabilitation scheme, with only the petitioner’s family objecting.

Accordingly, the Court dictated its order: “We are not inclined to interfere with the ongoing project. The special leave petition is dismissed. However, the petitioners may submit a detailed representation to the competent authority for sympathetic reconsideration regarding their demand for a larger area. Such a representation shall be examined under the existing rehabilitation scheme.”

The case was first brought before the Court last Thursday, when temporary protection from demolition was granted until Monday (April 28). However, after reports emerged that demolition activities had resumed, the petitioners’ counsel urgently mentioned the matter again. The apex court then directed on Friday that status quo be maintained at the Chharanagar slum site, where demolition was allegedly taking place despite the earlier protective order. DeshGujarat