Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt is hearing a plea by “Utran Se Besthan Railway Jhopadpatti Vikas Mandal” against demolition of over 10,000 slum dwellers living near the railway lines in the city of Surat, Gujarat

Sr Colin Gonsalves: State says they are committed to implement Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and rehabilitation is to be borne by executing agency which is railways here. Corporation has also washed it's hands off. Now they PMAY has to be adopted

SC: why in railway land and why not corporation or state land. PMAY cannot be in railway land

Gonsalves: Railways in their affidavitss say that encroachers on railway property is large and for this they want to clear 2.6 kms.

Gonsalves: there are seven bastis in this 2.6 km of land. Tracks and roadside area has to be cleared.

Gonsalves: we also dont want to be in this situation.

SC to Railways: If there is a plan then place it before the court

SC: why is railway taking different stand in diff courts

SC ORDER: It is brought to our notice that in some other proceeding before Delhi HC railways had assured that the rehabilitation policy propounded by Delhi govt.

SC ORDER: ASG appearing for railways gave assurance on Sept 14 that necessary rehabilitation plan would be framed shortly.

SC: on the other hand stand taken before Gujarat hc was contrary that it does not have a rehabilitation policy. We call upon the secretary of Ministry of railways to explain us why such different stands have been taken. Affidavit to be filed by email. To be listed on Nov 19

SC: In addition the affidavit must cite the timeline under which rehabilitation will be completed which will be affecting the seven bastis.
#SupremeCourt

Next date: Nov 29, 2021