Bahraich violence: SC halts Yogi government's bulldozer action against accused until next hearing

PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court on tuesday stayed the Uttar Pradesh government's action to demolish the properties of three accused in the Bahraich violence until next hearing which is scheduled for October 23. Justice BR Gavai while passing the order said, that "You are aware of the orders passed by this court. If they (Uttar Pradesh government) want to take the risk of flouting these orders, that's their choice."

On October 1, the top court reserved its judgement in a batch of petitions challenging unlawful bulldozer demolitions by government authorities. The apex court has prohibited demolitions throughout the country without their permissions except in cases associated with encroachment on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or water bodies.  

The accused has filed a plea in court against the demolition ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government. Representing the accused, senior advocate C U Singh submitted, "This application by three persons who are recipients of demolition notices. The state government has given only three days to respond to the notices."

The petitioners claimed that the said properties were 10–70 years old and alleged that the proposed demolition action was punitive. They said the government's claim of "unauthorised construction" was merely a ruse to illegally overcome the Supreme Court's stay order on demolitions.

However, advocate CU Singh said no protection had been granted by the High Court. The Supreme Court then asked the government not to take any action till Wednesday and posted the matter for hearing.