NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court has indirectly cautioned the Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, warning that the state risks violating court orders if it proceeds with bulldozer action in Bahraich. The case involves demolition notices issued after communal violence on October 13, where the court clarified that it would not intervene if the properties are illegal but expressed concern over potential violations.
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan has instructed the state not to take any action before the next hearing, scheduled for tomorrow, Vartha Bharati reported.
The petitioners’ lawyer, Senior Advocate CU Singh, highlighted that the demolition notices were issued after the violence and that responses were required within three days. He argued that no protection had been granted to those served with notices.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier extended the response deadline to 15 days, with the Supreme Court questioning the state government’s actions despite this order. The court is currently hearing multiple petitions against the practice of “bulldozer justice,” where properties of criminal suspects are targeted for demolition.
In the Bahraich incident, communal clashes erupted after objections to loud music near a mosque during Durga Puja idol immersion, resulting in arson, vandalism, and the death of Ram Gopal Mishra. Authorities have arrested 104 people in connection with the violence, and demolition notices have sparked fear among local residents.
