High Court Orders Stay on Demolition of Homes in Varanasi for Road Widening

Court Directs Government to Maintain Status Quo

In Varanasi's Dalmandi area, the Allahabad High Court has instructed the government to maintain the current state regarding the demolition of several homes affected by road widening plans.

This ruling was issued by a bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Anish Kumar Gupta during a hearing on a petition filed by Shah Nawaz Khan and others.

The petitioners expressed concerns that officials might demolish their homes without proper acquisition procedures.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20 and granted the state government's lawyer one week to respond to the case.

The petitioners' attorney argued that state officials are threatening to demolish homes without acquiring the necessary land and properties for the road expansion.

In its order dated May 9, the court stated, 'Considering the threat of demolition without acquisition, we direct the government to maintain the status quo until the next hearing.'

Impact on Local Residents

According to the petitioners, approximately 189 homes in the Dalmandi area will remain protected due to this interim order.

The attorney further noted that the Varanasi district administration is preparing a compensation report for all affected homes.

The Dalmandi project, which exceeds ₹100 crores, requires cabinet approval, and the district administration's report will be submitted to the state government.

It is important to mention that the state government has decided to widen Dalmandi Road by 17 meters to facilitate access to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, impacting around 189 homes.