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The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to the Uttar Pradesh government, cautioning against any hasty demolition actions following a communal clash in Bahraich. While acknowledging its previous rulings against the practice of 'bulldozer justice,' which involves the razing of property of individuals accused in criminal cases, the court clarified that it will not intervene if the structures targeted are deemed illegal.
The court's intervention came in response to a challenge against demolition notices issued to residents in Bahraich following a violent incident on October 13th. This incident, which resulted in the death of a young man named Ram Gopal Mishra, stemmed from an altercation during a Durga Puja idol immersion procession. Local authorities, responding to the violence, issued demolition notices to individuals suspected of involvement in the clashes, including those who were arrested in connection with Mishra's death. This sparked widespread fear and panic among residents.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized that the state government's choice to proceed with demolitions, despite the court's previous orders against such actions, carries the risk of flouting its directives. However, the court also stressed that its earlier rulings specifically exempt illegal structures from its intervention. This distinction underscores the court's intention to balance the need for justice with the protection of property rights, particularly in cases where legal procedures are followed.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the government's perceived need for swift action in the aftermath of violent incidents and the fundamental right to due process. The Supreme Court's stance underscores the importance of judicial oversight and the need for state authorities to adhere to legal procedures, even in the face of public pressure. It remains to be seen how the Uttar Pradesh government will respond to the court's warning and whether it will proceed with the demolition notices despite the court's cautionary stance.
The incident in Bahraich serves as a reminder of the potential for communal tensions to escalate into violence. The clash underscores the need for effective law enforcement, community dialogue, and mechanisms to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The Supreme Court's intervention in this case is a testament to its commitment to protecting fundamental rights and ensuring that justice prevails in the face of seemingly hasty actions by state authorities.
Source: "If They Want To Risk...": Supreme Court's Bulldozer Action Warning To UP