New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday indirectly warned the UP government against carrying out any bulldozer action in the state, saying that it is their ‘choice’ to risk violating the court’s directions, India Today reported.
The apex court was hearing a challenge to demolition notices served in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich following a communal clash.
The court pointed out that its orders in the ‘bulldozer justice’ case made it clear that it would not intervene in the event of structure facing bulldozer action are illegal.
The apex will hear on Wednesday a plea from three individuals, who are accused in the Bahraich communal violence case, challenging the demolition notices issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Subsequently, the bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan directed the state government not to take any action before the next hearing tomorrow.
Senior Advocate CU Singh, representing the petitioners, informed the court that demolition notices were issued by local authorities following the October 13 violence, asking them to respond within three days.
‘Applicant No.1's father and brothers surrendered... notices purportedly issued on 17 Oct, but pasted on 18th evening... we sought hearing on Sunday, but that did not happen. Some have approached HC,’ Singh was quoted as saying.
The incident in Bahraich's Maharajganj occurred on October 13 after some people questioned playing loud music near mosque during a procession for Durga Puja idol immersion.
A 22-year-old man, identified as Ram Gopal Mishra, was shot dead during the clash and alongside a video of Mishra removing a green flag and replacing it with saffron flag on a rooftop went viral.
Five persons were arrested in connection with Mishra’s death. Those arrested were identified as Mohammad Faheen, Mohammad Sarfaraz, Abdul Hameed, Mohammad Taleem alias Sabloo, and Mohammad Afzal.