Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, June 16: The Supreme Court has sought an affidavit from the Uttar Pradesh government within three days about bulldozer demolitions. The court was considering a petition alleging that the government was targeting a certain community and bulldozing its members’ homes. The petitioners also claimed that they were not provided prior notice of the destruction.
The petition was submitted by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind, which requested that the Uttar Pradesh government ensure that no more property demolitions are taken out in the state without due process.
The administration claimed that no laws were breached during the demolitions and denied the claim that notices were not served before the bulldozers were used.
“The SC said that it was not asking all actions to stop.However, all such actions must be within the ambit of the law,” it said.
“The government will get time to file its objections. We should ensure their [petitioners’] safety in the meantime. They’re also part of the society. When someone has a grievance, they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per law. We’ll hear the case next week,” the court said.
According to the Solicitor General, structures in Jahangirpuri were demolished without regard for which community owned the land. Such actions have been carried out in accordance with the law, and the most recent demolition was an example of this. The appropriate processes were followed.
The government’s affidavit will have to include information about the notices it has sent and the actions it has taken. On June 21, the case will be heard again.
