Despite hundreds of shopkeepers and property owners protesting against the PWD plan to demolish nearly 187 houses and shops for the ₹224 crore road-widening project leading to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridors, demolition of buildings began under the police administration’s supervision. Meanwhile, the owners and tenants reached the Chowk Police Station to raise objections.
After an all-day standoff on Sunday, the authorities finally initiated the demolition in the presence of police forces. So far, the PWD has demolished three buildings and completed registry agreements with 13 property holders.
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on Tuesday in a press statement, which was assessed by the FoEJ Media, accused authorities in Varanasi of opposing court orders by continuing demolitions in the city without due process.
“Despite a formal complaint filed on 1st November 2025 highlighting these illegal coercive actions and requesting an impartial investigation, the administration resumed night-time bulldozer activities on 10th November 2025, exacerbating fear and distress among the affected communities.,” statement reads.
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) alleged that the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and police have continued demolition drives despite explicit Allahabad High Court orders prohibiting such actions without adhering to procedures outlined in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
“The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) expresses grave concern over the ongoing demolition activities targeting residential and commercial properties at Varanasi’s Dal Mandi market area. Despite clear judicial directives mandating strict adherence to due process as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the administration continues a daily bulldozer campaign that threatens the livelihoods and housing security of residents and traders,” the statement reads.
“The ongoing forced demolitions not only violate constitutional rights but also undermine the social and economic fabric of Varanasi’s historic market,” statement added.
