The Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has accused Varanasi authorities of disregarding court directives by continuing demolitions in the historic Dal Mandi market. Residents and traders assert that their homes and shops are being destroyed without following appropriate legal procedures.
Despite a clear order from the Allahabad High Court prohibiting any demolitions or dispossessions without adhering to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, bulldozer operations by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and police have persisted.
This situation stems from a May 20 affidavit submitted by the Varanasi District Magistrate, which confirmed the state’s intention to widen Dal Mandi Road via either mutual agreement or lawful acquisition. The affidavit explicitly stated that “no demolition or dispossession would occur” without fair compensation and consent, as noted by APCR in their statement.
On September 8, the High Court issued a directive to the Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation, and District Magistrate, instructing them not to demolish or dispossess any properties without following the prescribed legal process. However, APCR claims that officials, accompanied by police, issued verbal demolition orders on October 31 and commenced destruction of structures without written notification, disregarding the stay orders presented by residents.
APCR reported that a formal complaint filed on November 1, requesting an investigation into the conduct of the VDA, was ignored. Subsequent nighttime demolition operations resumed on November 10, heightening concerns among local traders.
The group has called for an immediate cessation of all demolition activities, an independent inquiry into the actions of the officials involved, and the release of certified demolition orders to affected residents. Additionally, they seek assurances of fair hearings, written notices, and compensation as stipulated by law.
“The ongoing forced demolitions not only violate constitutional rights but also threaten the social and economic fabric of Varanasi’s historic market,” stated the group.
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