Chhattisgarh HC halts eviction of Lingiyadih residents in Bilaspur, citing long-term occupation and pending housing claims

April 17, 2026 : The High Court of Chhattisgarh has granted interim relief to dozens of residents of Lingiyadih in Bilaspur, directing authorities not to evict them from their homes until the next hearing. The order was passed by Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi while hearing two connected writ petitions filed by residents who claim they have been living on the land for decades.

According to the petitioners, many of them have been residing in the area for 30 to 40 years after constructing houses on government land. They argued that the authorities had extended basic civic amenities to them over time, including electricity connections and ration cards, effectively recognizing their occupation. The residents also told the court that they had deposited amounts demanded by authorities for regularisation of their land under the Rajeev Gandhi Ashray Yojna, but were not issued lease documents (patta).

The dispute arose after the Municipal Corporation indicated plans to clear the land for a garden and a commercial complex, triggering fears of eviction among the residents. Seeking protection, the petitioners urged the court to restrain the authorities from taking coercive action until their claims are decided.

On the other side, the State and Municipal Corporation submitted that while some residents had deposited money under the earlier scheme, it has since been discontinued. They pointed out that a new housing initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, is now in place, and eligible beneficiaries would be considered for alternative housing under it. They opposed interim protection and sought time to file a detailed reply.

After considering the submissions, the court noted the long-standing occupation of the petitioners and the fact that payments had been accepted by authorities in connection with lease allotment under the earlier scheme. Taking a prima facie view in favour of maintaining status quo, Justice Chandravanshi directed that the residents should not be removed from the land until the next date of hearing.

The matter has been listed for further hearing after the summer vacation. The court has also directed the respondents to file their replies within three weeks.

Case Reference : WPC No. 6175 of 2025 (Pinki Dewangan and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh); Counsel for petitioners: Mr. Animesh Verma with Mr. Krishnaraj Mishra; Counsel for State: Mr. Praveen Das, Additional Advocate General, with Mr. Anand Dadariya, Deputy Advocate General; Counsel for Municipal Corporation: Mr. R. S. Marhas; along with WPC No. 372 of 2026 (Savitri Sahu and Others vs State of Chhattisgarh and Others); Counsel for petitioners: Mr. Sudeep Shrivastava; Counsel for State: Mr. Praveen Das, Additional Advocate General, with Mr. Anand Dadariya, Deputy Advocate General; Counsel for Municipal Corporation: Mr. Shaleen Singh Baghel.