The Supreme Court of India has asked the Yogi Government to work “in accordance with law” regarding the illegal razing of property.
The Yogi Adityanath government has allegedly razed the houses of protesters against Nupur Sharma illegally. Videos have surfaced where bulldozers are being used to demolish properties in Prayagraj and Kanpur. This is happening after hundreds of protesters against Nupur Sharma’s controversial statement on the Prophet Mohammad, were arrested.
The apex court stated in the case, “Demolitions have to be in accordance with the law, they cannot be retaliatory”. The authorities concerned in Prayagraj and Kanpur have been asked to report on the case by the court before next Tuesday.
Petitioners against UP government
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had approached the Supreme Court with the petition to stop “illegal” demolitions done by the government. They said the court shall put a check on the government’s illegal actions and make them work within the law.
The SC responded to the petitioners by stating that they can’t put a stay on the demolitions by the government. “We can say go in accordance with the law,” stated one of the judges.
The videos of demolition have shown that the houses being razed belong to the protesters arrested a few days prior. The UP government is allegedly targeting a specific community for demolitions and not following the law.
CU Singh, the lawyer for the petitioners stated, “Adequate notices are a must. What is being done is unconstitutional and shocking. It is being done by targeting a community.” He added that a notice of 15 to 40 days is a must in any such cases.
A minimum of two people were killed and hundreds were arrested in protests again Nupur Singh, who has been suspended. Justice A S Bopanna stated that the safety of the petitioners needs to be ensured in the case. He also mentioned that the government got adequate time to “Let’s be clear, they’re also a part of society, ultimately, when someone has a grievance, they have a right to have it addressed, come up with their objections.” he said.
The petitioners asked for interim protection from the SC during the period of trial. They fear there would be more demolitions on the weekend towards their property.
State’s Defence
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that none of the demolitions were related to or based upon any focused community. The government stated it only razed the illegal constructions and had no political reasons behind the demolitions.
Harish Salve, the lawyer on the side of the government stated it is the media that links the demolitions with political agendas. “The due course of law is followed for demolitions,” ensured Salve for the case. Tushar Mehta stated. “Petitioners rely on Newspaper reports. We rely on official records.”
The solicitor general added, “If the house has been constructed without following any laws at all then they can’t say that they should not even be touched.” According to him, the petitions have no basis other than misconceptions and politics.
Person behind the Protests against Nupur
Justice Bopanna and Nath adhered to the petitions after a group of lawyers wrote to the Chief Justice of India. In the letter to N V Ramana, they stated the illegal arrests of protesters, illegal demolitions, and police actions regarding the Nupur Sharma controversy.
The police identified Javed Mohammad as the man behind the protest and violence in Prayagraj on Friday. His bungalow was demolished on Sunday following the allegations. KK Rai, Javed’s lawyer stated that the house belonged to his wife. Hence, the government had no right to demolish that
The Mohammad family is certainly relieved after the SC took up the case.
