Aishwarya Rathore-
Published on: September 8, 2021, at 14:44 IST
The Delhi Government on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that the gathering of Afghan protestors seeking refuge in India outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Vasant Vihar have been dispersed.
A Bench of Justice Rekha Palli was hearing a petition filed by Vasant Vihar Welfare Association seeking removal of refugees gathered outside the UNHCR office.
Additional Standing Counsel Satyakam, appearing for Delhi Police, stated, “A small nudge goes a long way and nothing remained in the Petition in the absence of any protest at the location.”
Last week, the Delhi Government and Delhi Police were ordered by the Court to reduce the number of Afghan Refugees protesting at the UNHCR office and to ensure that they adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
The Court had stated that the law was the same for everyone and questioned the Police officials as to how 500 people gathered for a protest when the guidelines did not allow it.
The Welfare Association has claimed that Afghan Refugees have been gathering outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office at B Block in South Delhi’s Vasant Vihar since August 15, in lanes and parks next to it as consequence residents were facing difficulties.
The proceedings initiated by the Welfare Association were dismissed by the Court with liberty to approach the Court again if any need arises.
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