New Delhi, June 5 -- The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to multiple farmhouse owners affected by the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) demolition drive in Rajokari village and directed that the status quo be maintained, even as it examines serious allegations that demolitions were carried out without adherence to mandatory due-process requirements and in violation of principles of natural justice.

The Court is presently hearing a batch of petitions filed by several farmhouse owners challenging the DDA's anti-encroachment exercise around a stormwater drain (nala) in Rajokari.

The petitioners contend that substantial portions of their properties, including boundary walls, guard rooms, servant quarters and other structur...