Haldwani, Dec. 11 -- The Supreme Court's hearing in the Banbhulpura railway land encroachment case was once again deferred on Wednesday, prolonging uncertainty for thousands of residents awaiting a final verdict. Earlier listed for December 2 and then December 10, the matter will now be taken up on December 16, extending the wait for families living on the disputed railway land. Heavy police deployment remained in place across Banbhulpura of Haldwani in Nainital district throughout the day in anticipation of the order. The police arrested 17 people and issued bond notices to 136 others as a preventive measure, officials said. According to railway authorities, the legal dispute dates back to 2016 when Ravi Shankar Joshi, a resident of Gaulapar, filed a PIL in the Uttarakhand high court. On December 20, 2022, the Nainital high court passed a significant directive ordering the removal of encroachments over 31.87 hectares of railway land in Banbhulpura. The order sparked widespread concern, as the stretch comprises 4,315 houses and affects more than 50,000 residents. The matter was later taken to the Supreme Court, where it has been pending since. With repeated adjournments, residents say the prolonged limbo is taking a toll. Petitioner and SP state in-charge Abdul Mateen Siddiqui said, "We pray to God that no one loses their roof. Everyone knows how tough it is to build a home today. We hope that if the court orders removal, it also ensures rehabilitation. Whatever decision the court gives will be accepted." Local resident Mohd Irshad, whose home falls within the disputed zone, said families were living in fear. "We have lived here for generations. We have no objection to railway expansion or development. We only request that vulnerable people not suffer. Even the roof over our heads should not be taken away." SSP Dr Manjunath TC visited the area on Wednesday and instructed strict monitoring of the area. All entry points were barricaded, with access permitted only after verifying identity cards of local residents. Heavy vehicles were diverted, drones deployed over sensitive zones, and social media activity closely watched to curb rumour-mongering, officials said. The SSP said area domination exercises were underway and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb peace or damage government property, he added....