The Supreme Court has issued an interim order directing the government not to evict or displace squatters and informal settlers from their current locations without following the due legal procedure.

After hearing a writ petition challenging the decision to remove squatter settlements in Kathmandu, a division bench of justices Kumar Regmi and Nityananda Pandey issued the order on Friday.

The order states that any action involving the removal of squatters or informal settlers and their relocation elsewhere must strictly follow legal procedures, taking into account the risk of irreparable harm to their constitutional rights, including education, health and housing. It also warns of the possibility of a humanitarian crisis if such actions are carried out without proper safeguards.

The petition was filed on April 24 by Gopal Ranapaheli, a resident of a squatter settlement, along with senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi and Majid Ansari, among others.

During the hearing, the bench also referred to concerns raised by the National Human Rights Commission, which had pointed out gaps in the protection of basic needs for squatters.

The order further instructs the government to make arrangements for housing, education, health services and food support for those who have already been displaced.

The court has also directed that, after written responses are submitted, the case should be given priority and listed for hearing within 15 days.