The administration demolished the home of the accused, Naseeb Chaudhary, while he was in police custody over the alleged attack.
Team Clarion
JAIPUR — In a move that openly challenges the Supreme Court’s stay on bulldozer operations across the country, Jaipur’s local administration took action on Sunday by demolishing the home of Naseeb Chaudhary, an accused in an attack on RSS workers. The incident, which occurred three days ago during a religious gathering, resulted in injuries to 10 people.
Naseeb Chaudhary and his son Bhisham Chaudhary allegedly attacked RSS workers with knives and other weapons during a Jagran event at a local temple. According to police reports, the clash erupted after residents in the neighbourhood objected to excessive noise and crowding at the gathering. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to several injuries.
Following the attack, the police registered a complaint against Naseeb and his son, leading to their arrest on Friday. However, the administration’s decision to bulldoze their home has sparked controversy, given that the Supreme Court had previously ordered a halt to such operations across the country.
The Jaipur Development Authority justified the demolition by claiming that the house was illegally constructed on land earmarked for a temple and a park. After surveying the property, the authority issued a 24-hour notice to Chaudhary, demanding the removal of the illegal construction.
Critics, however, have pointed out that Chaudhary and his family were already in police custody when the notice was issued. Despite this, on Sunday morning, two rooms of the house were razed.
“The fact that they bulldozed the property while the accused were in custody, without allowing them time to respond, raises serious questions about the due process,” commented a local resident.
This action comes amid growing concerns over the use of bulldozer operations in BJP-ruled states. The practice, which involves demolishing homes and properties of individuals accused of crimes, has been criticised for its potential misuse. The Supreme Court recently intervened, issuing a stay on such operations, stating that they undermine the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the broader implications of these actions. “The defiance of a Supreme Court order is deeply troubling. It suggests a breakdown in respect for judicial authority, and it’s a worrying trend for the rule of law in our country,” said one prominent legal analyst.
Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, the so-called “bulldozer justice” continues in various states, with critics questioning the government’s selective use of such measures.
A senior BJP official, when approached for comment, defended the action: “The property was illegal, and we are committed to ensuring that encroachments are removed. The court’s stay does not mean illegal constructions will be tolerated.”
However, human rights groups argue that the timing and targeting of these demolitions appear politically motivated, often impacting specific communities.
As this legal battle continues, many await the Supreme Court’s next steps in addressing these bulldozer operations, which have become a flashpoint in debates over law enforcement and political accountability in the country.
