Prayagraj (UP), Jun 14 The Allahabad High Court has directed Varanasi's municipal commissioner and other respondent authorities concerned to maintain status quo as regards three premises in the city's Dalmandi area and not to carry out any demolition drive in pursuance of a notice dated May 25.
The demolition drive in the Dalmandi area is primarily aimed at widening the road to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The project is part of a broader initiative to improve access to the temple and enhance the infrastructure around it.
The drive involves demolishing structures that are deemed unsafe or unauthorised, with the aim of reclaiming encroached land and ensuring better access for visitors and residents.
Alimun Nisha, Rashid Zafar and Zul Karnain have filed three separate writ petitions challenging the May 25 notice issued by the assistant municipal commissioner of the Varanasi Nagar Nigam under section 331 of the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.
Directing the authorities concerned to file their respective counter-affidavits, a bench of Justices Salil Kumar Rai and Swarupama Chaturvedi fixed July 20 for the next hearing in the matter.
The demolition drive has sparked protests and concerns from locals who argue that the action is illegal and threatens their livelihoods and heritage. The Varanasi district administration has identified 187 buildings in the Dalmandi area for demolition, with the project being supported by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA).
According to the petitioners, no final order has been passed or served on earlier objections filed by them to the notice issued under section 331 of the 1959 Act.
Therefore, the notice to demolish the premises of the petitioners is illegal, their counsel contended.
Observing that the matter requires consideration, the court directed the counsel for the Uttar Pradesh government, the Nagar Nigam and other respondents to file their replies within three weeks.
"Meanwhile, parties shall maintain status-quo regarding premises which is subject matter of the notice dated May 25, 2026, and the respondents are restrained from carrying out demolition in pursuance to notice dated May 25, 2026," the court said in its order passed on June 12.
