The residents of Signature View Apartments in Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi, staged a protest on Thursday, demanding immediate payment of rent that was promised to them for vacating their flats.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has faced mounting criticism for delays in executing the payment, despite clear directives from the Delhi High Court. The protest, led by the Signature View Apartment Residents Welfare Association (RWA), highlighted the plight of over 111 flat owners who vacated their homes as per the court’s directive in December. Despite this, the DDA has failed to take possession of the properties, leaving residents without the rent compensation they were promised. According to RWA officials, the High Court had ordered the DDA to ensure the flats were vacated within three months and that immediate rent assistance be provided to the residents. However, the residents claim that these directives remain unfulfilled, causing undue hardship.
Adding to the residents’ frustration, the DDA issued an e-tender on March 19 for the demolition of the 336-flat Signature View Apartments, citing structural safety concerns. Despite this, many residents continue to reside in the buildings, facing deteriorating living conditions while awaiting clarity on the handover process, necessary documentation, and the finalisation of compensation procedures. The RWA has accused the DDA of contempt of court for not adhering to the High Court’s orders, stressing that the delays are not just administrative oversights but also pose a serious risk to the safety of the residents. A statement from the RWA warned that any harm to life or property resulting from these delays would be solely the responsibility of the DDA. “Residents are living under constant stress and uncertainty. The DDA’s failure to act swiftly has left us in a vulnerable position. We demand immediate rent payments as mandated by the court,” the RWA statement read.
Despite repeated requests, the DDA has not issued an official response regarding the protest or the residents’ claims. This lack of communication has only intensified the residents’ frustration, who have now resorted to public demonstrations to seek justice. The situation reflects a broader issue with urban governance and the enforcement of judicial orders concerning housing and compensation in Delhi. As the city grapples with challenges related to urban planning, infrastructure, and residents’ rights, cases like this underline the urgent need for more efficient administrative processes and stronger accountability mechanisms.
The residents remain hopeful that their protest will prompt the authorities to act decisively, ensuring that the promises made by the DDA and upheld by the court are finally fulfilled.
Delhi Residents Demand Rent as DDA Delays Compensation
