The Delhi High Court has allowed the government to proceed with a demolition drive in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, to facilitate the widening of a public road. The court, led by Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain, granted occupants until May 30 to vacate the premises, stressing that the expansion is crucial for improving access to essential services such as medical care and education. The court noted that the land had been acquired by the government, and previous legal challenges against the acquisition had been dismissed. While the occupants claimed long-standing residence on the land, the court ruled that their interests must yield to the broader public need for infrastructure development. The Delhi government has been directed to consider the occupants' request for compensation sympathetically. After the deadline, authorities will be free to remove any encroachments and unauthorized constructions to proceed with the road expansion.