The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a petition on October 23 challenging the proposed demolition actions in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. Senior advocate CU Singh, representing the petitioners, has requested an expedited hearing and a stay on the demolition orders.
The case review by a bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vishwanathan. During the preliminary discussions, Justice Gavai remarked that if Uttar Pradesh officials decide to ignore the court’s potential orders, it would be their responsibility. Justice Vishwanathan noted that the Allahabad High Court has already granted a 15-day period, effectively serving as a stay on the actions.
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The petition arises from recent violence in Bahraich, during which a notice for bulldozer action issue after the death of 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra during communal clashes on October 13. Singh pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) had pasted demolition notices on the properties of 23 individuals, including that of the main accused, Abdul Hameed. The notices classify the constructions as illegal under the Road Control Act of 1964.
The PWD had given the affected individuals three days to respond to the notices, leading to a petition from the Association for Protection of Rights in the Allahabad High Court, which sought to nullify the orders. Many of the targeted properties belong to Muslim residents, raising concerns about the implications of the demolitions.
Justice Gavai instructed the Additional Solicitor General to refrain from any demolition actions until tomorrow. The ongoing situation has sparked significant public interest and debate regarding the use of bulldozer actions in the context of law enforcement and communal tensions in the region.
