Demolition must be according to law, says Supreme Court on UP bulldozer action

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 16, 2022: The Supreme Court has sought an affidavit in three days from the Uttar Pradesh government on the demolitions carried out by it using bulldozers. The court was hearing a petition that alleged that the government was targeting a particular community and bulldozing the properties of its members. The petitioners also alleged that no notice was given to them before the demolition.

 

The plea was filed by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind seeking directions to the Uttar Pradesh authorities to ensure that no further demolitions of properties are carried out in the state without following due process. Advocate Nitya Ramakrishna bulldozing cannot be a criminal justice measure. The highest officials are saying you come out and we will take action. Stepping out of the court, she later said: "SC has mentioned that demolitions cannot be retaliatory and the rule of law must be followed."

The government submitted that no law was broken during the demolition drives and refuted the allegation of not serving notices before running the bulldozers.

The SC said that it was not asking all actions to stop. "However, all such actions must be within the ambit of the law," it said.

"The government will get time to file its objections. We should ensure their [petitioners’] safety in the meantime. They’re also part of the society. When someone has a grievance, they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per law. We’ll hear the case next week," the court said.

The Solicitor General said that in Jahangirpuri, the structures were removed without looking at which community owns the property. Such proceedings have been going on with the due process and the latest demolition was an instance of the same. Due procedures were followed.

The government’s affidavit will have to contain details of the notices sent and action taken by it. The matter will be heard again on June 21.

Courtesy: India Today