Today, on 16th January, the Delhi High Court encouraged the Delhi High Court Bar Association to support AIIMS’ proposed 3,000 bed night shelter for patients’ families. A Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya expressed lawyers would contribute, without issuing directions.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court urged the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) to take steps to support the construction of a 3,000 bed night shelter that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) plans to build for the families of patients receiving treatment at the hospital.
A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia stated that it was not issuing any formal directions but expressed hope that lawyers would contribute to the initiative, as they have for various other causes.
The Court remarked,
“Activate members of DHCBA, create some kind of fund and donate it to them [AIIMS]. We don’t need to issue any directions on this. This is our desire,”
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DHCBA President N. Hariharan pledged to ensure that contributions would be made. Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, present in court at the time, also committed to making initial donations. Hariharan stated that he would contribute as well, and the Arun Jaitley Foundation announced its intention to donate to this cause.
The Court indicated that it would oversee the establishment of the shelter, advising AIIMS to approach the Court directly if they encounter any challenges.
These comments were made while addressing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated following reports indicating that many individuals were sleeping outdoors due to insufficient space in night shelters. It was revealed that numerous people had traveled to Delhi for their family members’ treatments but lacked accommodations.
On January 14, the High Court had issued comprehensive directives to ensure immediate measures were taken to house those in need. One such directive instructed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to convert subways near hospitals into shelters.
On this occasion, it was reported that steps had been taken, and arrangements were in place to offer beds and shelter to individuals sleeping outdoors.
Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain, representing AIIMS, confirmed that the institution had offered land to DUSIB for developing around 80 shelters, thereby increasing existing shelter capacity across three facilities that accommodate 949 beds, and extending night shuttle services for improved access.
He also mentioned that the institution is proposing a 3,000 bedded Vishram Sadan at Ansari Nagar, which would enhance accommodation facilities for the families of patients.
The Court took note of these submissions and commended the efforts made by various stakeholders. It directed all agencies in Delhi to collaborate with the AIIMS administration.
The Court added,
“We have a feeling that in the last two days, the situation has improved. However, the nodal officers of the agencies and other higher officers are expected to be on constant vigil. While we appreciate the efforts made by the agencies, we repose our trust and faith that whatever is needed to be done to attend to these difficulties shall be taken care of by the authorities,”
Furthermore, it directed that a meeting be convened between stakeholders and the Principal District and Sessions Judge (South District) on January 24, with a report to be submitted to the Court before the next hearing on January 27.
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