The apex court’s guidelines include a mandatory 15-day notice period for the tenants to either challenge the demolition order or see to their affairs before being evicted
Team Clarion
CHANDAUSI – In clear violation of the Supreme Court directive restraining bulldozer action across the country, the administration in Chandausi in Uttar Pradesh’s violence-hit district of Sambhal on Wednesday demolished 12 alleged illegal shops.
The bulldozer action comes as tensions simmer in the area following large-scale violence during a court-ordered survey of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid and the recovery of cartridges allegedly made in Pakistan and the United States.
On November 13, the Supreme Court laid down guidelines to curb the demolition of people’s homes and private properties by the government “only on the ground that they are accused of a crime”.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan held that such actions violated the rights of the accused, including the presumption of innocence, unfairly punished the other tenants who have not been accused of anything, and violated the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The apex court’s guidelines include a mandatory 15-day notice period for the tenants to either challenge the demolition order or see to their affairs before being evicted.
The operation in Chandausi, initially halted amid communal unrest and rising tensions, has resumed in full force. Chandausi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Neetu Rani confirmed the renewed action. “Encroachments were temporarily overlooked due to the sensitive situation, but we have now resumed operations to ensure law and order in the district,” she said.
The Kotwali area in Chandausi witnessed the demolition of a dozen shops, with officials claiming they were constructed illegally. Authorities emphasised that the demolition drive is part of a broader campaign to curb illegal encroachments and maintain public order.
In a post on X, investigative journalist Saurav Das said the demolitions in Chandausi are “a direct challenge to the Supreme Court, and also to the future Chief Justice of India. Will the court allow it to be taken for a ride? If the bulldozing has happened in violation of its guidelines, the court has the perfect opportunity to set an example here. Its honour is in its own hands now.”
The violence in Sambhal on November 24 during the Jama Masjid survey has left the district on edge. A search operation on Tuesday further heightened tensions after the recovery of ammunition allegedly originating from foreign countries. Police officers described the findings as a serious matter requiring thorough investigation.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Chakresh Mishra stated, “The recovery of foreign ammunition points to deeper networks that we are currently probing. The administration will take every necessary step to restore peace and ensure justice.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the bulldozer operation, citing its commitment to removing illegal encroachments and maintaining the rule of law. Minister of State for Secondary Education and local BJP MLA Gulab Devi set an example by voluntarily demolishing her own father’s encroached shop earlier. “No one is above the law, including my family. This drive is essential to bring fairness and justice to the region,” she said.
However, opposition parties and local community leaders have criticised the administration’s actions, accusing it of targeting a particular community in the name of maintaining law and order. Samajwadi Party leader and former MP ST Hassan expressed concerns. “This bulldozer action appears selective and is further alienating the Muslim community. We need constructive dialogue, not destruction, to resolve these issues,” he said.
Muslim leaders in the area have called for a fair and impartial investigation into the violence and subsequent actions by authorities. Maulana Akhtar Hussain of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee commented, “We welcome efforts to maintain peace, but the administration must ensure that these operations are not used to target specific groups unfairly.”
Despite the challenges, the district is gradually returning to normal. Businesses are reopening, and local leaders are urging residents to maintain harmony. However, the spectre of violence and allegations of bias remain a point of contention, with community organisations advocating for accountability and transparency from law enforcement and administrative officials.
The renewed bulldozer operation has added a new dimension to the district’s recovery efforts, raising questions about the balance between law enforcement and communal harmony. As investigations continue, all eyes remain on how the administration handles the sensitive situation in Sambhal and Chandausi.
