New Delhi: A document verification camp was organised at the Dr Sahib Singh Verma Community Hall in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area as part of the process linked to the proposed road widening near the Max Hospital stretch. The camp was set up following notices issued to residents, directing them to produce ownership documents within 15 days or explain why their properties should not be demolished.
Officials at the venue were seen scrutinising documents, maintaining registers, and issuing stamped acknowledgements to residents submitting papers. According to officials overseeing the process, the camp was initially scheduled for January 28 and 29 and was later extended by one additional day to facilitate wider participation.
An official present at the camp confirmed that around 60 residents have so far come forward with documents. “We are collecting all papers, making entries in the register, and issuing stamped receipts. All submitted documents will be forwarded to the office for further scrutiny,” the official said.
When asked about the nature of ownership documents being submitted, officials stated that most claimants have produced General Power of Attorney (GPA) papers, along with supporting documents such as electricity bills, water bills and Aadhaar cards. Officials clarified that while all documents are being accepted at this stage, their legal validity will be examined later by higher authorities.
Responding to questions on whether utility bills or Aadhaar cards alone establish ownership, officials maintained that no determination is being made at the camp level. “Our role is limited to collecting documents. The final decision on ownership, validity of GPA, and eligibility will be taken by the competent authority after verification,” an official said.
Addressing complaints from some residents who alleged they were not issued acknowledgements, officials denied the claim and pointed to notices displayed in both Hindi and English at the venue. They asserted that proper receipts with official stamps are being provided to all applicants through the prescribed process, and records are being maintained before submission to the DM’s office at Rampura in Central North Delhi.
Officials declined to comment on whether any claimant has produced registered sale deeds, stating that details of individual documents would only be disclosed after official scrutiny. They reiterated that all papers submitted are being officially recorded, and no document has been rejected at the collection stage.
Residents who were unable to submit documents during the three-day camp have been advised to approach the designated DM office directly or submit their papers via the email ID mentioned in the notice, within the stipulated 15-day period.
The final decision on demolition, ownership recognition and compensation, officials indicated, will depend entirely on the outcome of document verification and policy considerations. Authorities will assess how many claims are valid, how many establish legal ownership, and how many fail to meet required criteria. Compensation, if any, will be determined strictly on the basis of verified ownership records.
For now, the process remains underway, with officials maintaining that the exercise is procedural and that the ultimate call will be taken at the policy and administrative level.
