Setting the record straight that nothing, including the Commonwealth Games, could deprive the poor of their right to shelter, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to provide shelter to the homeless people in the city.
The MCD had recently demolished a temporary night shelter for the homeless on Pusa Road on December 22. The civic agency had said the move was part of a beautification drive for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
A Division Bench of Justice B D Ahmed and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw pulled up the MCD for being “insensitive” and said, “We do not expect a modern civilised society to allow its people to die, whether it is the Commonwealth Games or any other reason. This trend cannot be allowed.”
Not impressed by the MCD counsel’s submission that they have 27 night shelters, apart from the 16 run by the Delhi government, the court said, “Present accommodation is insufficient.”
It then directed the MCD to make proper arrangements so that at least 150 people can be accommodated in one night shelter.
The court also took note of the fact that another man died after the shelter on Pusa Road, where he stayed, was demolished.
The court directed the MCD to ensure that no eviction takes place until an alternative arrangement for the homeless is provided. It also asked for a detailed compliance report by January 19.