Supreme Court pulls up UP govt over notice to demolish structures after Bahraich violence.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday indirectly warned the Uttar Pradesh government against carrying out any demolitions in Bahraich until further orders.
Hearing a plea against demolition notices issued after communal violence last month, the bench said it is the state’s “choice” if it wants to violate court directions.
Senior Advocate CU Singh, representing petitioners, said local authorities served demolition notices on October 17 asking response within three days, but notices were passed on the 18th evening.
While Allahabad High Court gave 15 days to respond to notices, petitioners have received no protection, he added. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj assured the court that no action would be taken until Wednesday.
The notices were served after arson and vandalism during an immersion procession on October 13 that claimed one life. Police arrested five accused, including two in an encounter when trying to flee to Nepal.
A total of 104 arrests were made and 23 shops served notices. The court is hearing petitions against the recent ‘bulldozer justice’ trend in some states including UP.
It has said mere charges cannot be the basis for demolition and only rule violation may invite such action. The verdict on the UP government’s stand is awaited.
