The issue
A religious structure known as Dargah Panchpeer, in Mangolpuri Industrial Area Phase-II, Delhi, stood on land that the Delhi Development Authority determined to be DDA-owned land.
Save India Foundation began pursuing the matter in 2024, alleging that the structure was an unauthorised encroachment.
Rather than relying on a single complaint, SIF pursued the matter over two years, creating an evidence trail and repeatedly taking the matter up with the authorities. The organisation's complaints eventually resulted in official proceedings.
Government action
On 8 May 2024, DDA issued a show-cause notice to the occupant. The notice stated that there was “unauthorized encroachment by additions/alterations” over DDA land and asked the occupant to explain why demolition should not be ordered.
The occupant did not furnish documentation establishing lawful ownership, according to the records reviewed by Rashtra Jyoti.
The matter was subsequently placed before the Religious Committee of the Government of NCT of Delhi. At its meeting on 22 November 2024, the committee recorded that the structure had been constructed on DDA land and recommended its demolition, with police assistance. The Home Department subsequently forwarded the recommendation to the relevant authorities on 1 January 2025.
Outcome
On 6 May 2026, DDA demolished the structure after concluding that it was an unauthorised encroachment on DDA land. This was therefore not an overnight bulldozer action. It followed a documented chain:
- Complaint
- DDA examination
- Show-cause notice
- Failure to establish lawful occupation
- Religious Committee recommendation
- Government communication
- Demolition
Impact
A religious structure standing on government land was removed after a two-year evidence-backed campaign and official process.
This fight has been backed by Project Matribhoomi.
SUCCESS: Persistent documentation and complaints ultimately resulted in government-confirmed removal of an unauthorised structure from DDA land.
