The court granted a green signal to the Western Railway to proceed with the eviction drive against unauthorised constructions. However, it also made it clear that the rights of eligible slum dwellers must be protected.
The court noted that residents who were declared eligible in surveys conducted on August 10 and 11, 2021, must be safeguarded. It reiterated that such eligible occupants should not be evicted without being provided alternative accommodation.
The plea was filed by a residents’ association, which alleged that despite being eligible under the survey, several hutments were being demolished without prior notice or rehabilitation.
After hearing both sides, the court allowed the railway authorities to continue action against illegal structures but emphasised that due process must be followed and eligible residents must be protected.