SC Dumps Plea Alleging Contempt Of Demolition Order By 3 States

The Supreme Court on Thursday has declined to entertain a plea concerning alleged contempt of its order regarding the demolition of properties by authorities in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

A bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justices P.K. Mishra and K.V. Viswanathan, stated that the petitioner did not have a direct or indirect connection to the alleged actions. “We don’t want to open a Pandora’s box,” the bench remarked.

The court confirmed that it would hear from those directly affected by the demolitions. The petitioner had claimed that officials in Haridwar, Jaipur, and Kanpur had proceeded with demolitions in defiance of the Supreme Court’s order, which mandated that no demolitions be conducted without its permission.

Previously, the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on multiple petitions addressing concerns about properties, including those belonging to individuals accused of crimes, being demolished in various states.

In its September 17 ruling, the court imposed a moratorium on demolitions until October 1 without its approval, a directive that would remain in effect until the matter is resolved.

However, the court clarified that this order would not apply to unauthorized structures on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or public spaces like water bodies. This distinction underscores the court’s aim to balance legal oversight with the need for public order and safety.

As the case develops, the Supreme Court’s decisions will likely have significant implications for property rights and government authority in demolition matters.

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