SC orders demolition of illegal structures in Delhi Okhla Village directs DDA to act
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to demolish all unauthorised constructions and encroachments in Okhla Village, issuing a firm deadline and a clear protocol for action.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order while hearing a contempt plea related to the violation of its 2018 directions concerning illegal occupation of public land in the national capital. The apex court said, “We direct DDA to take action of demolition in accordance with law in respect of the unauthorised structures in the area of 2 bighas and 10 biswas.” It clarified that due process must be followed, and a minimum 15-day notice must be served to affected persons before any demolition begins.
The total area in question measures 3 bighas and 8 biswas. Of this, 1 bigha and 8 biswas fall within the boundary covered under the PM-UDAY scheme and are exempt from the demolition order. The remaining portion, located outside the scheme’s purview, has been ordered to be cleared of all illegal construction. The court also directed the Delhi government to take corresponding action in areas not covered under PM-UDAY. “We direct the state government to take action of demolition of illegal structures… in accordance with law,” the bench said. DDA has been instructed to submit a compliance affidavit within three months, confirming execution of the demolition drive as per the court’s directives.
The order comes as part of an ongoing effort to enforce accountability and restore public land across Delhi, which continues to face challenges from widespread encroachments and unauthorised construction.