31 May, 2025 | Varanasi: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has successfully secured a stay order from the Allahabad High Court against the proposed demolition of properties in Varanasi’s Daal Mandi area under a road widening project.
Daal Mandi, located in the heart of Varanasi, is a historic market known for its cultural diversity and economic vibrancy, with over 10,000 shops operated largely by Muslim traders. It now faces a serious threat from proposed government plans to widen narrow lanes as part of urban redevelopment linked to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. These changes could displace thousands of families and disrupt livelihoods built over generations.
The petitioner had approached the court citing coercion and threats from officials of the Public Works Department, Varanasi, who were allegedly pressuring him to vacate his shop and transfer possession to the government without any formal land acquisition exercise or the payment of compensation mandated under law. Senior Advocate Syed Farman Ahmad Naqvi, on behalf of APCR, represented the petitioner in the case. During the hearing, the State’s counsel gave an assurance to the court that the petitioner’s possession will not be disturbed, nor will any demolition take place unless the State legally acquires ownership of the said property through compulsory acquisition or any other legally recognized means. The Hon’ble Court, comprising Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, disposed of the petition, thereby safeguarding the petitioner’s rights.
This stay offers relief to the local residents and business owners in the historic Daal Mandi area, who had expressed concerns about forced eviction and demolition without proper legal process
Case Title: Inamuddin Ahmad vs State Of U.P. And Ors @ Allahabad High Court
Case No: WRIT – C No. – 17290 of 2025
Counsels for Petitioners: Sr.. Advocate Syed Farman Ahmad Naqvi, Sr. Advocate Zaheer Asghar & Syed Ahmed Faizan