Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Delhi High Court Orders Action on Shelter Crisis Near Hospitals
The Delhi High Court is very worried about people who are sleeping outside hospitals in the cold.
These people are patients or their family members who can't find a place to stay.
The court has told many important people and organizations to work together to fix this problem quickly.
They need to set up more shelters and make sure everyone has a safe place to sleep.
The court said it's very important to help these people because it's their right to have a place to stay, especially when they're sick.
They also said that no one can say they don't have enough money to help.
The court wants a meeting to happen soon to make a plan, and they will check again in a few days to see if the problem is fixed.
Delhi High Court issued fresh directions to address the acute shortage of night shelters for patients and attendants outside major hospitals in Delhi.
The Court impleaded several authorities, including the Centre for Holistic Development, AIIMS, MCD, NDMC, DMRC, PWD, DDA, Delhi Jal Board, and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.
The Court noted several deficiencies, including lack of effective implementation of the Winter Action Plan, shortage of shelters, and poor surveys of the homeless population.
The Court directed DUSIB to take over subways near hospitals and equip them with facilities equivalent to shelter homes, and to erect tents or pandals in available spaces.
A meeting of high-ranking officials was scheduled for January 15, 2026, to chalk out a short-term plan, with the Principal District Judge (South) chairing the meeting and resolving any conflicts.
- Who
- Delhi High Court, various government authorities, homeless patients and attendants
- What
- Court orders immediate action to address shelter crisis near hospitals
- When
- January 14, 2026, with immediate implementation and next hearing on January 16, 2026
- Where
- Delhi, particularly near major hospitals like AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, Lady Hardinge, and VMCC
- Why
- To address the acute shortage of night shelters during coldwave conditions and ensure the right to shelter is not violated
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Date
- January 14, 2026
- Primary Concern
- Inadequate night shelters for patients and attendants
- Key Hospitals Involved
- AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML, Lady Hardinge, VMCC
- Authorities Involved
- DUSIB, MCD, NDMC, DMRC, DDA, Delhi Police, L&DO, PWD, Delhi Jal Board
- Meeting Scheduled
- January 15, 2026, at 10 am
- Next Hearing
- January 16, 2026
- Total Shelter Capacity
- 19,000 (as per DUSIB)
Sources
'Human Problem': Delhi High Court Issues New Orders To Address Shelter Crisis Near Hospitals Amid Coldwave
Govt’s bounden duty to provide night shelter; can’t deny it due to paucity of resources: Delhi HC
Government Bound To Provide Night Shelter To Homeless: Delhi Court
Shelter patients awaiting treatment in subways: HC to hospitals
Govt's bounden duty to provide night shelter: HC
