Delhi HC Stays Government's Eviction Notice Served on Veteran Kathak Artist Birju Maharaj

The Delhi High Court’s vacation bench stayed the Central government order instructing Birju Maharaj  (Kathak artist) to vacate his government allotted accommodation in Delhi. 

The premise was given to Birju Maharaj on account of his achievements in the field of arts. 

The notice passed by the government ordered Birju Maharaj to vacate the accommodation by December 31, 2020. 

The Bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru ordered, 

".. the impugned notice dated 09.10.2020 stays till the next date of hearing." 

The premise was given to Birju Maharaj on account of his achievements in the field of arts. 

Notice of served violates their legal expectation to continue in the allotted premises. 

The Delhi High Court this month had stayed a similar notice served to Padmashri Awardees Bharati Shivaji and V Jayarama Rao. This order mentioned that in case the given accommodation is not vacated by December 31, legal action be initiated under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 for the illegal residents. 

It was argued that the notice served by the government is in violation of their legal expectation to continue in the allotted premises, which were given to them on account of their dedication and extraordinary contribution in the field of arts.  it was also pointed out that no hearing or reasoning was afforded to them and the same violates the principles of natural justice. 

Both the petitions would be heard together on January 22.