Ensure no violence against Shakur Basti displaced, HC tells police

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the police to ensure there was no further "violence" against the displaced residents of Shakur Basti in west Delhi.

It also directed the city government to ensure children of the slum dwellers were assured of education during the rehabilitation programme.

A division bench of Justice S. Murlidhar and Justice Vibhu Bakhru appointed Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to carry out a survey of people affected by the demolition drive there on December 12 and share the findings with the Centre, city government and other agencies so that relief materials was given to them.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was also asked to depute an official in the area to coordinate with government agencies and prepare a report on relief materials provided to the affected people. The court also asked the NHRC to submit a report on the issue.

The court's direction came while hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Ajay Maken to seek directions to authorities for the rehabilitation of the displaced in temporary relief camps and shelter homes.

More than 500 hutments were demolished by railways authorities on Saturday, leaving hundreds homeless in the winter chill. An infant allegedly died during the drive.

Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, told the bench that steps were taken to provide relief materials to the people in the slum.

"Around 700-800 families have been affected by the demolition drive. As many as 3,000 blankets have been provided to them and 60 big tents set up," he told the court.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on December 22.