The Delhi High Court has allowed authorities to proceed with the eviction of slum clusters situated near the Prime Minister’s residence on Race Course Road, while directing the government to ensure proper rehabilitation of the affected residents at the Savda Ghevra resettlement colony, located around 45 kilometres away.

The bench of Justice Purushaindra Kaurav granted the residents two weeks’ time to vacate the premises, observing that the occupants were residing on the land without legal authorisation. The Court stated that the authorities were entitled to reclaim the land and carry out the eviction process in accordance with law.

At the same time, the High Court stressed that the rehabilitation exercise must be conducted in a humane and organised manner, ensuring minimal disruption to the lives of the displaced families. It directed that the relocated residents be provided basic civic amenities at the rehabilitation site.

The Centre defended the eviction by citing serious national security concerns. It informed the Court that the slum clusters were located close to military establishments and within a highly sensitive zone requiring enhanced security and defence infrastructure. Referring to the current global security situation, the government argued that unauthorised settlements in such areas could pose risks to both public safety and national security.

Accepting these submissions, the Court observed that issues relating to national security and policy decisions of the executive warrant limited judicial interference unless found to be arbitrary or unlawful. The Bench noted that the concerns raised by the authorities were specific and could not be ignored in the prevailing geopolitical context.

The government further informed the Court that rehabilitation measures were already underway at Savda Ghevra. According to the submissions, more than 700 residents are being shifted to the resettlement colony. Authorities stated that 192 residents have accepted allotment letters issued by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, while 136 families have already taken possession of flats.

The Court was also told that objections earlier raised regarding the eligibility of 184 residents had since been resolved, and all eligible dwellers would now be accommodated under the rehabilitation scheme.

The case arose from multiple petitions filed by residents of Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp and DID Camp, located near the Delhi Race Club and Jaipur Polo Ground on Race Course Road. The petitioners had challenged eviction notices issued by the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in October 2025 and February 2026.

The residents sought either quashing of the eviction notices or relocation to a nearby area, contending that shifting them to Savda Ghevra violated rehabilitation policies favouring in-situ rehabilitation or relocation within a five-kilometre radius. They also raised concerns regarding infrastructure at the resettlement colony, including inadequate sewage systems and poor construction quality.

After considering the rival submissions, the High Court held that the eviction could proceed, while reiterating that the rehabilitation process must safeguard the dignity and basic living conditions of the displaced residents.