The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the situation of Scheduled Caste Hindus who migrated from Pakistan, observing that granting them Indian citizenship alone is not enough and that the government must also ensure they are provided dignified housing.
The remarks came during a hearing on a matter concerning the potential displacement of these families, who have been residing near the Signature Bridge in Delhi’s Majnu Ka Tila area.
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice N Koteshwar Singh noted that despite being granted citizenship, the residents continue to face the threat of eviction from the area.
The court also stressed that citizenship must be accompanied by adequate rehabilitation and housing measures to allow these communities to live with dignity.
The bench directed the government to submit its response within four weeks, while staying any eviction drives or development projects that could lead to the displacement of the families in the meantime.
The interim protection covers around 250 families, affecting over 1,000 people, who have lived in the area for years and now face uncertainty regarding their housing and rehabilitation.
Source: India Today