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Muslim Families in Delhi's Riot-affected Shiv Vihar Sell Properties under Distress

Reported by

Flavia Lopes

Legal Review by

Edited by

Updated by

Published on

March 17, 2021

May 26, 2023

Edited on

March 17, 2021

State

Delhi

Sector

Land Use

People Affected by Conflict

Households Affected by Conflict

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

ha

Starting Year

2020

Location of Conflict

Shiv Vihar

North East Delhi

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Communal/Ethnic Conflict

Land Conflict Summary

In February 2020, communal riots broke out in northeast Delhi. Shiv Vihar was one of the sites of violence. According to reports, 53 people were killed and thousands were affected.
In the aftermath, the sale of houses by Muslim families have increased. They have sold their houses at distress sale prices -- at least 25 per cent below the market rate, according to inputs from local residents and property dealers. Preliminary observations suggest that some real estate agents may have also encouraged them to sell quickly and move out of the area.
In a study of Gali Number 13 of Shiv Vihar Phase-6, the researcher found that Muslim families were moving into Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods, such as Mustafabad, and other lanes and phases in Shiv Vihar. Moreover, the buyers are predominantly Hindu families, implying that the previously mixed community neighbourhoods are turning into ghettos of a single community. According to the testimonies of local residents and real estate agents, as of February 2021, only two or three Muslim families still live in Gali Number 13 as opposed to the 15-16 Muslim families that lived there before the riots. Gates have also been installed in these localities after the Muslim families left.
Zubaida Begum, a 40-year-old resident, told LCW that she moved out of the lane five months after the riots. She sold her 225-square-metre house for INR 12 lakhs as against the market rate of INR 18 lakhs.
In March 2020, a group of activists, academicians and relief workers rallied under the banner of ‘Citizen Volunteers for Northeast Delhi’ and sent a memorandum to the Delhi government demanding “strict monitoring of the sale or purchase of commercial and residential properties till the rebuilding process takes place. This, the report said, was to "avoid distress sales and the incursion of the land mafia as has been witnessed in the aftermath of riots previously. This will prevent a plunge in property prices. Transfer of titles should be strictly monitored during this time period".
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, governs the registration of property transactions, while the Centre's Delhi Development Authority governs land administration in the city-state and in the so-called unauthorised colonies like Shiv Vihar. Neither has taken any initiative as of February 2021 to restrict the sale of properties.
Analysts have said that segregation makes people worse-off and leaves areas more vulnerable to future communal violence. Similar distress sales and segregation of neighbourhoods have also been observed in the case of the Bombay riots in 1992 and the Gujarat riots in 2002.

Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

No items found.

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Prevention of distress sale of property, assurance of safety in riot-hit areas

Region Classification

Urban

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Residential area

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Legal Data

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Indian Stamp Act, 1899
Section 27 [Under this section, the market value of property is a factor to be considered while determining the stamp duty payable on an instrument, and the government is empowered to notify the minimum rate for valuation of land]; Section 47A [This section sets forth the procedure to ensure correct valuation of property if the Registering Officer suspects undervaluation]
Delhi Stamp (Prevention of Undervaluation of Instruments) Rules, 2007
Rule 4 [This rule provides for notification of minimum rates for valuation of land by the government]
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

No items found.

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Additional Information

Nature of Protest

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Media-based activism/alternative media

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Department of Home, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi; Department of Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs; Delhi Development Authority

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

No

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Muslim and Hindu families living in Shiv Vihar, Real estate agents

Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Resources

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Images

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Video

In February 2020, communal riots broke out in northeast Delhi. Shiv Vihar was one of the sites of violence. According to reports, 53 people were killed and thousands were affected.
In the aftermath, the sale of houses by Muslim families have increased. They have sold their houses at distress sale prices -- at least 25 per cent below the market rate, according to inputs from local residents and property dealers. Preliminary observations suggest that some real estate agents may have also encouraged them to sell quickly and move out of the area.
In a study of Gali Number 13 of Shiv Vihar Phase-6, the researcher found that Muslim families were moving into Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods, such as Mustafabad, and other lanes and phases in Shiv Vihar. Moreover, the buyers are predominantly Hindu families, implying that the previously mixed community neighbourhoods are turning into ghettos of a single community. According to the testimonies of local residents and real estate agents, as of February 2021, only two or three Muslim families still live in Gali Number 13 as opposed to the 15-16 Muslim families that lived there before the riots. Gates have also been installed in these localities after the Muslim families left.
Zubaida Begum, a 40-year-old resident, told LCW that she moved out of the lane five months after the riots. She sold her 225-square-metre house for INR 12 lakhs as against the market rate of INR 18 lakhs.
In March 2020, a group of activists, academicians and relief workers rallied under the banner of ‘Citizen Volunteers for Northeast Delhi’ and sent a memorandum to the Delhi government demanding “strict monitoring of the sale or purchase of commercial and residential properties till the rebuilding process takes place. This, the report said, was to "avoid distress sales and the incursion of the land mafia as has been witnessed in the aftermath of riots previously. This will prevent a plunge in property prices. Transfer of titles should be strictly monitored during this time period".
The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, governs the registration of property transactions, while the Centre's Delhi Development Authority governs land administration in the city-state and in the so-called unauthorised colonies like Shiv Vihar. Neither has taken any initiative as of February 2021 to restrict the sale of properties.
Analysts have said that segregation makes people worse-off and leaves areas more vulnerable to future communal violence. Similar distress sales and segregation of neighbourhoods have also been observed in the case of the Bombay riots in 1992 and the Gujarat riots in 2002.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

No items found.

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Prevention of distress sale of property, assurance of safety in riot-hit areas

Region Classification

Urban

Type of Land

Private

Type of Common Land

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Indian Stamp Act, 1899
Section 27 [Under this section, the market value of property is a factor to be considered while determining the stamp duty payable on an instrument, and the government is empowered to notify the minimum rate for valuation of land]; Section 47A [This section sets forth the procedure to ensure correct valuation of property if the Registering Officer suspects undervaluation]
Delhi Stamp (Prevention of Undervaluation of Instruments) Rules, 2007
Rule 4 [This rule provides for notification of minimum rates for valuation of land by the government]
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

No items found.

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Nature of Protest

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Media-based activism/alternative media

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Department of Home, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi; Department of Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs; Delhi Development Authority

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

LCW wrote an email to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who forwarded the email to Kailash Gahlot, minister of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs, and Dinkar Adeeb, an officer on special duty to the home minister in the Delhi government to “look into the matter and take appropriate action". Both officials have further forwarded the emails to the principal secretary. The Delhi Development Authority followed a similar protocol. LCW is awaiting their responses.

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Muslim and Hindu families living in Shiv Vihar, Real estate agents

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

Text Link

Reviewed By

Text Link

Updated By

Text Link

Edited By

Text LinkLand Conflict Watch

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