Illegal Move by RWA in Chhatarpur: Main Road Locked, Residents’ Anger Erupts
✍️ Reyasat Ali Sameer
Senior Correspondent
New Delhi :
Tension gripped B-Block Ambedkar Colony in Chhatarpur, South Delhi, on Sunday evening when the local Resident Welfare Association (RWA) locked the colony’s main road near the historic graveyard behind Chhatarpur Temple. The decision caused severe inconvenience not only to pedestrians but also completely restricted the movement of motorcycles and other vehicles.
The RWA had put up a board announcing that the gate would remain closed from 5 PM to 9 PM daily for “security reasons,” directing residents to use alternative routes. This arbitrary order triggered anger and resentment among local residents.
Public Outcry and Police Intervention
As soon as the gate was locked, locals strongly objected. They argued—
“Citing security to impose a lock is illogical; proper guards should be deployed instead.”
“This move could endanger emergency services. How will ambulances, fire brigades, or police vehicles enter?”
“This is a direct attack on our freedom of movement; we will not accept it.”
Following the uproar, someone informed the Police Control Room (PCR). Delhi Police arrived at the spot and calmed the residents. Under mounting pressure, RWA president Balbir Singh Bharatwal, alias Bala Ji, finally ordered the gate to be opened. Only then did the residents breathe a sigh of relief.
Questions to the RWA President
When Fact India News asked RWA president Balbir Singh whether the association had obtained written permission from Delhi Police, the Municipal Corporation, or any concerned authority before closing the road, his reply was vague. He said
“We have informed the concerned department.”
However, residents countered by saying—
“Mere intimation is not equivalent to written approval. Without such permission, closing a public road is illegal and beyond the RWA’s jurisdiction.”
Residents Invoke Legal Provisions
To strengthen their protest, residents cited various legal provisions:
“Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to move freely throughout the country. The RWA cannot take this away.”
“Under the Easements Act, 1882, obstructing a pathway that has been in long public use is unlawful.”
“The Delhi High Court has repeatedly clarified that RWAs cannot block public roads, as these fall under the jurisdiction of the government and the municipal authorities.”
“The Supreme Court has also ruled that public pathways are a ‘Right of Way,’ and no private association can claim exclusive control over them.”
Beyond Their Authority
Residents further asserted that the RWA’s authority is limited to internal colony management and security. They may deploy guards, check identity cards, or regulate entry for security purposes, but locking the main public road is neither legal nor within their powers.
They warned that if such arbitrary actions are repeated, they will not hesitate to approach higher authorities and even the courts for justice.
