Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah Khan has declared that he will approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) recent property demarcation activity in the Batla House area of South Delhi. Khan, who represents the Okhla constituency, accused the DDA of carrying out the process without proper consultation or due legal procedure, leading to significant unrest among residents.
Addressing the media, Khan said that the DDA’s operations in Batla House have caused fear and confusion. “Many local residents have legal ownership documents, yet their properties are being marked as encroachments. This is unacceptable,” he said. Khan further added that people who have lived in the area for decades are suddenly being labeled as illegal occupants, which he termed a violation of basic rights.
The MLA alleged that the demarcation exercise lacked transparency and was initiated without adequate communication to either the public or local representatives. “There has been no notice, no verification, and no discussion. How can government agencies take such action without listening to the people affected?” he questioned.
He also pointed out that urban areas like Batla House, which have evolved organically over time, require sensitive and lawful planning measures. “Many residents have spent their life savings to build homes in this area. If there are issues with zoning or planning, they must be addressed through dialogue, not demolition threats,” Khan said.
In response to the DDA's ongoing activities, Khan stated that he would soon be filing a petition in the Supreme Court to seek a stay on the demarcation and a comprehensive judicial review of the process. He urged the court to take note of the alleged irregularities and ensure protection for residents with valid documents.
Khan also appealed to the Delhi government and Lieutenant Governor to intervene and ensure that no innocent homeowner is penalized without due process. “We are not against city planning or law enforcement, but the manner in which this is being carried out is causing unnecessary panic,” he stated.
Residents of the Batla House area have echoed similar concerns, stating that officials arrived without prior warning and started marking buildings. Many claimed that even houses with registered property papers and electricity connections were not spared. Local civil society groups and legal activists have begun offering legal aid to affected families.
As the situation develops, the issue has begun to draw wider political attention. Opposition leaders have criticized the DDA for what they call a high-handed approach. Meanwhile, the DDA has maintained that the demarcation is part of a broader anti-encroachment initiative meant to regulate unauthorized construction in Delhi.
With the matter likely to head to the apex court soon, all eyes are now on how the judiciary addresses the balance between urban regulation and the rights of residents in long-standing neighborhoods like Batla House.
