The Allahabad High Court has issued a stay order preventing the proposed demolition of properties in Varanasi’s historic Daal Mandi area, which was slated for clearance under a road widening project linked to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor redevelopment.
Daal Mandi, a vibrant market housing over 10,000 shops primarily run by Muslim traders, faced threats of large-scale displacement due to government plans to widen narrow lanes in the congested locality. The project raised serious concerns about the loss of livelihoods and forced eviction without due process.
The petition, filed under Inamuddin Ahmad vs State Of U.P. And Ors (WRIT – C No. 17290 of 2025), highlighted alleged coercion by Public Works Department officials who pressured residents and shopkeepers to vacate their properties without any formal land acquisition or compensation.
Senior Advocates Syed Farman Ahmad Naqvi, Zaheer Asghar, and Syed Ahmed Faizan represented the petitioner on behalf of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). During proceedings, the State assured the court that no eviction or demolition would occur without lawful acquisition.
The bench comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal disposed of the petition, thereby safeguarding the rights of local residents and traders.
This interim relief is a significant victory for the Daal Mandi community, offering protection from forced eviction until legal ownership and compensation issues are resolved.
