New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has modified its earlier order on the Chhatarpur Farms internal roads dispute, permitting restricted public access as an interim measure.
A division bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela recently revised the May 19 direction, which had earlier mandated free and unrestricted entry through the private internal roads of DLF Chhatarpur Farms. The court noted that the earlier order virtually granted the final relief sought in the writ petition, and therefore required reconsideration.
The case originated from a plea by residents of nearby colonies, who demanded removal of gates and barriers, calling the restrictions arbitrary and a violation of their right to movement. A single-judge bench had supported their demand, ordering free public access without fees. However, the Chhatarpur Farm Welfare Society appealed, arguing that the internal roads were privately developed by farm owners and handed over to the society for maintenance, and hence could not be treated as public thoroughfares.
Residents countered that the roads were always open for public use until restrictions were imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, terming the society’s move unlawful.
Observing that the law distinguishes between private and public streets, the High Court refrained from deciding on the final status of the roads. Instead, it allowed a temporary arrangement where residents of adjoining colonies can use a specific route—from Gate 1 to Gate 3 via North Drive, Link Road, and Oak Drive—between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
The access will be available for pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and essential service vehicles like ambulances and municipal vehicles. Heavy commercial traffic such as laden trucks will remain prohibited, and no access will be allowed to other internal roads. The court clarified that emergency vehicles will face no restrictions.
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