Chandni Chowk saw several small traders taking out an ‘aakrosh rally’ on Friday in protest against their “unconstitutional eviction”.
According to the protesters, the “land mafia and “local politicians” had forced more than 10,000 shops in Chandni Chowk to shut down by registering false cases against them. They said that livelihoods of over 50 lakh people were now under threat, with over 50,000 people already unemployed.
The rally, which was organised by the Chandni Chowk Jila Vyapar Sangh, saw hundreds of small shop owners participating. The protesters also carried out a symbolic funeral march and burnt an effigy of the Delhi Rent Control Act. “I have been here since the days of Mahatma Gandhi. Now, I have been asked to vacate the shop for which I have paid the the landlord twice to become the original owner,” said Om Prakash Saini, one of the protesters.
‘I am helpless’
“I am 71 years old, have a family of eight, and no other means of livelihood. I am helpless,” Mr. Saini added.
“Shopkeepers are being asked to vacate with the landlords giving flimsy reasons. The notice period is so short that they can’t gather all the evidence and documents to support their case. We have submitted a memorandum to the municipal councillors, Ministers, and even to the Prime Minister and the President, but no action has been taken yet,” said Rakesh Thakural, a social activist.
The protesters also alleged that the Delhi Rent Control Act was a biased Act, that favours landlords.
