Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on Tuesday accused authorities in Varanasi of defying court orders by continuing demolitions in the city’s historic Dal Mandi market, where traders and residents say their homes and shops are being razed without due process.
APCR said bulldozer drives by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and police have persisted despite clear directives from the Allahabad High Court prohibiting demolition or dispossession without following procedures under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
The controversy stems from a May 20 affidavit submitted by the Varanasi District Magistrate affirming the state’s plan to widen Dal Mandi Road through either mutual consent or lawful acquisition. The affidavit assured that “no demolition or dispossession would occur” without fair compensation and consent, APCR said in its statement.
However, on September 8, the High Court ordered the Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation, and the District Magistrate not to demolish or dispossess any property without following the mandated legal procedure. APCR alleges that, despite this, officials, accompanied by police, issued verbal demolition orders on October 31 and began tearing down structures without providing written notice, thereby ignoring stay orders presented by residents.
The group stated that a formal complaint filed on November 1, seeking an inquiry into the VDA’s conduct, was disregarded, and nighttime bulldozer operations resumed on November 10, deepening fears among local traders.
APCR has demanded an immediate halt to all demolition activities, an independent investigation into officials’ actions, and the release of certified demolition orders to affected residents. It also called for assurances of fair hearings, written notice, and compensation as required by law.
“The ongoing forced demolitions not only violate constitutional rights but also undermine the social and economic fabric of Varanasi’s historic market,” the group said.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com.
