Delhi High Court Orders Immediate Shelter for Homeless Amid Cold Wave

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to provide immediate shelter for the homeless near government hospitals in response to the ongoing cold wave. The court emphasized that denying shelter violates fundamental rights and mandated the establishment of tents and beds for those awaiting treatment and their families. This decision follows reports highlighting the dire conditions faced by patients and their relatives. The court's order covers major hospitals and requires cooperation from various government agencies. A meeting is set to outline a short-term plan to address the urgent needs of the homeless, with further hearings scheduled for Friday. This ruling underscores the court's commitment to ensuring the welfare of vulnerable populations during harsh weather conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 12:39 IST

Court Directs Action for Homeless Protection

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court mandated that authorities in the capital take swift action to secure subways adjacent to government hospitals. This directive aims to provide beds and tents for individuals awaiting treatment and their families, ensuring they are shielded from the harsh cold, as reported by a local news outlet.

A bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia emphasized that denying shelter constitutes a breach of fundamental rights. The judges asserted that lack of funds or resources cannot justify the refusal of refuge.

The court highlighted that it is the responsibility of the government and its agencies to guarantee that homeless individuals, as well as those accompanying patients at hospitals, have adequate shelter, according to another news source.

This order specifically pertains to areas surrounding major hospitals in Delhi, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, and Lady Hardinge Medical College.

The court instructed the shelter board to take control of the subways by Wednesday evening and to set up tents or shelters equipped with necessary amenities, as reported by a local news outlet.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority were urged to assist the shelter board, with a warning that failure to comply could lead to serious consequences for responsible officials.

The directive also extends to the Delhi Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

This order followed the court's suo motu cognizance of a report detailing the plight of patients and their families forced to stay on the streets near AIIMS due to a lack of affordable housing.

During the hearing, the court learned from Union government counsel Ashish Dixit that a visit to shelters near AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital revealed a demand for at least 400 more beds, primarily occupied by cancer patients and their caregivers.

A non-profit organization presented photographs of the shelters to the court, indicating that its representatives had surveyed multiple locations, according to another news source.

Considering these findings and the arguments from various government representatives, the bench remarked that the situation on the ground starkly contrasted with the assertions made in court.

The court announced that a meeting would be convened on Friday, chaired by the Principal District Judge (South District), to develop a short-term strategy, which will be put into action immediately to address the urgent needs.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on Friday.