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The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to the Uttar Pradesh government, urging it to refrain from any 'bulldozer action' in the wake of demolition notices served to individuals accused in the recent communal clashes in Bahraich. The court's intervention highlights the potential for misuse of such measures and underscores the importance of due process in legal proceedings.
The controversy arose after the Uttar Pradesh authorities, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, issued demolition notices to those named in an FIR related to rioting in Bahraich. The notices cited the illegality of the structures targeted for demolition, raising concerns about a potential crackdown on individuals associated with the clashes. Three individuals, facing these demolition notices, approached the Supreme Court seeking protection.
The Supreme Court, while acknowledging its reluctance to interfere in matters concerning illegal structures, expressed its strong disapproval of the UP government's actions, warning that it would not hesitate to hold them accountable if they disregarded the court's orders. The court's stance reflects a broader concern regarding the use of 'bulldozer justice' in Uttar Pradesh, where such actions have been criticized as politically motivated and lacking due process.
The incident in Bahraich stemmed from an interfaith dispute over loud music being played outside a place of worship, escalating into violence and vandalism. The subsequent communal clashes sparked a wave of anxiety and concern about communal tensions in the region. The Supreme Court's intervention, while focused on the specific issue of demolitions, underscores the broader need for a calm and reasoned approach to address such sensitive situations, ensuring that justice is served without resorting to coercive measures that might exacerbate existing tensions.