Allahabad High Court stays bulldozer action in Varanasi’s dalmandi road widening project

The Allahabad High Court has granted an interim stay on the ongoing demolition drive in Varanasi’s Dalmandi area, halting the so-called bulldozer action linked to the road widening project.

Varanasi: The Allahabad High Court has granted an interim stay on the ongoing demolition drive in Varanasi’s Dalmandi area, halting the so-called bulldozer action linked to the road widening project. Following the order, no demolition can take place against the disputed properties until July 20 2026.

The decision is expected to provide temporary relief to affected homeowners amid the continuing legal and administrative dispute.

Challenge to Municipal Corporation Notice

The case stems from a demolition notice issued by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation on May 26, 2026. Acting under Section 331 of the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, the civic body had marked several structures as dilapidated and issued notices for demolition.

Several residents, including Alimun Nisha, Zul Qarnain, and Rashid Zafar, approached the High Court challenging the action through separate petitions.

Petitioners Raise Procedural Concerns

Counsel for the petitioners argued that although the buildings were declared dilapidated, no final order was passed on their objections, making the demolition action legally premature.

It was also submitted that earlier judicial directions had called for a joint committee to ensure proper hearings before any coercive action is taken.

High Court Seeks Government Response

The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Swaroopma Chaturvedi. After hearing both sides, the court issued notices to the state government, the Municipal Corporation, and other authorities, seeking their responses within three weeks.

Status Quo Ordered Till Next Hearing

The court directed that the status quo be maintained and barred any demolition activity until the next hearing scheduled for July 20, 2026.

The bench also observed that the matter required consideration and allowed time for a detailed response from the authorities.

132 Houses Already Demolished

According to reports, around 132 houses have already been demolished under the Dalmandi road widening drive, while the Public Works Department had planned to clear remaining structures by June.

Against this backdrop, the High Court’s interim order is being seen as a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the project.