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On January 3, 2025, the dhobis received their third eviction notice (each of the dhobhis received it separately), requiring them to appear before the Institute authority on Monday, January 20 under the Eviction Act of 1971. The notice, signed by the Estate Officer, stated that occupying the Type IA quarters, stores, and other structures at the dhobighat was illegal, and it accused them of engaging in unauthorized commercial activity. As mandated by law, they were asked to present their case on the designated date. After the meeting on January 20, the institute issued a public notice on the issue. We spoke with the dhobis to learn more about their perspective.
The notice is premised on the claim that – “After examination of the documents produced before the undersigned, Estate Officer, of opinion that the opposite party is in unauthorized occupation of the scheduled premises.”
The dhobis contest this claim, saying that their occupation of the premises is legally recognized and historically documented. They cite official allotment letters (refer to website) issued by the Estate Office, which they claim formalized their residence and workspaces in Type IA houses, storage facilities (godowns), and designated washing tanks (haudas) at the dhobighat. According to them, these allotments, dating back to the 1960s and continuing until at least 2002, contain no specified expiration date, hence their argument that their tenure was intended to be long-term.
They further argue that their occupancy has been acknowledged through consistent financial transactions with the Institute. Since 1989, they have been making regular payments for rent, water, and electricity, which they state were officially recorded and processed. As proof, they present payment receipts and utility bills, the most recent of which date to January 2020. They argue that these transactions demonstrate institutional recognition of their legal occupancy over the years.
In addition to these financial records, the dhobis point to official government-issued documentation linking them to Dhobighat. They note that their Aadhar cards list Dhobighat as their registered residential address—an inclusion they argue would not have been possible without valid proof of residence.
For some Dhobis, the notice says that – “The opposite party did not submit any document supporting any authority/allotment in his favour for occupation of the instant scheduled premises”
The dhobis state that they formally drafted a response letter and allocation documents outlining their objections to the eviction notice. According to them, they attempted to deliver the letter and Documents in person to the Estate Office during the 20th January hearing, but officials refused to accept it. In response, they sent the letter via speed post, attaching copies of their supporting documents, including allotment letters, payment records, and identification proofs. However, they report that the Estate Office did not acknowledge receiving these documents.
Response Letter by the Dhobis
In particular, they claim that photocopies of key documents were dismissed, though no explanation was provided for their rejection. An order sheet issued on January 28 stated that “the opposite party presented xerox copies of letter number.…. in support of occupancy of said house. The veracity of these letters cannot be ascertained due to not being in original form”. The dhobis state that since they had to submit these proofs via speed post, it was not feasible for them to attach the original documents.
The notice claims, among other things that – “The opposite party admitted that he has been occupying in the house no. 39A of Type-I without any authority in his name..”
The dhobis refute this claim, calling it a fabrication. They tell us at no point did they acknowledge their occupation as unlawful and argue that this statement misrepresents their position.
Efforts to seek clarification from the Estate office regarding the recent eviction notice for Dhobighat workers yielded no response. However, the President, Students’ Gymkhana informed Vox that the Institute Director was open to providing a statement
According to the Director, the primary reason for the eviction is the structural instability of the Dhobighat buildings rather than the validity of the workers’ allotment letters. Additionally, he emphasized the Institute’s sustainability goals, noting that per capita water consumption on campus is three times higher than the standard, with unmonitored water wastage at Dhobighat.
To address these concerns, the Institute plans to introduce a centralized, industrial-grade laundry system, which is expected to improve efficiency (Faster Washing Cycles) and reduce water consumption. Until the new system is operational, the existing water tanks at Dhobighat will not be demolished. The affected workers will be provided temporary storage space for clothes at Hall 14 and offered employment within the new mechanized system.
The Director also stated that the workers would be eligible for housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and help from the institute, with alumni offering interim rental support until permanent housing is secured through the scheme.
The dhobis, in their response, outline their position in the response letter (translated from Hindi) as an issue centered around livelihood instead of residence –
“If the Institute requires the dhobighat site for some other purpose, the Institute needs to provide us with appropriate alternate arrangements and relocate our workplace somewhere else on campus premises. Our work requires the following:
- An appropriate arrangement to wash – water tank, running water and pata.
- Adequate space to dry the clothes
- An appropriate storage arrangement and electricity connection to store the clothes securely and iron them.
And given the nature of our work, we (our family) need access to our workplace throughout the day. If the above conditions are met, we are ready to leave our current workplace and place of residence. But we are shocked that even after 6 decades of our sincere service, the Institute, instead of initiating a constructive dialogue with us about possible relocation, has served us with eviction notices. To end, we only wish to carry on our services to the community in an undisrupted manner and earn our livelihood in the process. This work is the primary source of income for my family”
As of now, the final ruling orders the dhobis and their families to vacate the premises within 30 days (6th March). The verdict further states that if they “refuse or fail to comply,” they will be “liable to be evicted…, if need be, by the use of such force as may be necessary.”
This report covers events as of 19th February, 2025. Further developments on the issue include a CoSHA meeting and discussions of student representatives and Hall Presidents with the director. Vox is awaiting the official release of the meeting minutes and will publish an update once they are available.
Written by: Harsh Ashok Kumar, Saurya Singh
Design by: Kanak D
Edited by: Mutasim Khan
