The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government against any “bulldozer action”, while hearing a challenge to demolition notices served to those accused in the Bahraich communal clashes.
“If they (Uttar Pradesh authorities) want to take the risk of flouting our order, it’s their choice,” said Justice BR Gavai. But, the bench, however, noted that it will not intervene if the the structures facing demolition are illegal.
An application seeking protection against the proposed demolition was mentioned before a bench of Justices Gavai and KV Viswanathan. In response, the government told the court that it will not act on demolition notices till Wednesday (October 23).
After communal riots in Bahraich last week, the authorities issued demolition notices to those named as accused in an FIR related to rioting. In their notice, they have mentioned that the structures are illegal, following which three persons filed an application before the top court on October 20.
While seeking an urgent hearing, senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for the petitioners, mentioned the matter before the bench. “This is an application by three persons who are recipients of demolition notices. The state government has given only three days to respond to the notices,” he said.
He submitted that petitioner No.1’s father and brothers have surrendered and notices were purportedly issued on October 17 and pasted on the evening of October 18. “We sought a hearing on Sunday (October 20), but that did not happen,” he added.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj told the court that the Allahabad High Court is seized of the matter and has given 15 days’ time to respond to the notice.
The counsel for the petitioners said no protection has been granted by the high court. The apex court then orally asked the ASG not to take any action till Wednesday and posted the matter for further hearing.
What happened in Bahraich?
Ram Gopal Mishra (22) died of gunshot injuries after an interfaith dispute over loud music being played outside a place of worship in Maharajganj on October 20. The incident triggered communal violence, leading to arson and vandalism in the area and internet suspension for four days.
(With PTI inputs)
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