Chandigarh, 9 February 2025: The Chandigarh administration’s social welfare department took control of Cheshire Home in Sector 21 on Saturday, evicting unauthorised occupants and restoring the facility to its intended purpose—providing welfare and rehabilitation for marginalised groups. Officials said the eviction was conducted after completing all legal procedures.
Originally managed by an NGO, Cheshire Home had functioned as a temporary hostel for differently-abled individuals. However, after coming under the administration’s direct supervision, officials determined that its use needed to align with its original mission. Many occupants, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, had been residing there for years while working private jobs or running businesses.
According to the Chandigarh administration, eviction proceedings began several months ago but were delayed due to a stay issued by a district court. “In the last hearing, the stay was vacated by the district court, allowing the authorities to proceed with the eviction. After following the due procedure, the property has been successfully reclaimed,” the administration said in a statement.
As part of the eviction process, officials made special arrangements for an abandoned resident who is deaf and mute, ensuring his rehabilitation in a government-run facility under the department’s care.
However, some differently-abled occupants, including cricketers, objected to the eviction, claiming they had lived there for 18 years. They also alleged that no prior notice was issued before the eviction drive.
