Thu Dec 05 12:51:55 UTC 2024: **Supreme Court Seeks Details on Delhi’s Homeless Shelter Capacity Amid Winter Concerns**
NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to provide detailed information on the city’s homeless shelter capacity ahead of the winter season. Expressing concern over the impending cold weather, the court requested data on the number of people currently accommodated in shelters and an estimate of those needing such facilities. The court also demanded a plan from DUSIB to address any shortfall in capacity.
The hearing stemmed from an ongoing case concerning the right to shelter for the homeless. Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that Delhi’s shelter capacity is only around 17,000, despite the demolition of nine shelters that previously housed approximately 450 people. DUSIB’s counsel countered that the demolished shelters were temporary and destroyed by the 2023 Yamuna River floods, and that all residents had been relocated. He also stated that no cold-related deaths were reported last winter.
The court dismissed a bribery allegation made by Bhushan against a DUSIB officer, calling it “character assassination.” The bench ordered DUSIB to file a detailed affidavit by December 17, including data on shelter facilities over the past five to six years. The case will be heard again on that date.
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