The railways in Mumbai, starting Wednesday, slapped eviction notices on thousands of slum dwellers near railway tracks, following directives by the Indian Railways to act in the matter after the Supreme Court expressed disappointment over railway inaction. Calling the move shocking and unfair, politicians led by state Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad have opposed the move.

A note by Railway Board member (infrastructure) Sanjeev Mittal stated, “On December 17, 2021, the Supreme Court pointed out that Estate Officers are not taking action in right earnest at the earliest opportunity. Railway Police Force services can be utilised to safeguard the railway property, wherever it is situated. Railways should initiate civil/criminal action against the unauthorised occupants on the railway property immediately, it is brought to the notice of the concerned officials of the railways. Further, railways must initiate appropriate action against the officials of the establishments concerned for allowing and tolerating encroachment and for not taking corrective action of removal of encroachments. The status report of the action taken by the Railway to be furnished to this court before the next date (January 28, 2022).”