Supreme Court Defers Hearing on Contempt Plea Against Gujarat Authorities Over Illegal Demolitions

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the Supreme Court postponed the hearing of a contempt plea filed against Gujarat authorities, who were accused of illegally demolishing residential and religious structures despite a prior interim stay. A Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, P.K. Mishra, and K.V. Viswanathan has scheduled the plea for consideration three weeks from now.

Allegations of Illegal Demolitions Despite Court Order

The contempt plea highlights alleged violations of the Supreme Court’s September 17, 2024 order, which had specifically barred the demolition of properties across the country, including those belonging to individuals accused of crimes, without prior approval from the court. The plea argues that Gujarat authorities went ahead with the demolitions, defying this clear directive.

Focus on Court’s Interim Stay

The Supreme Court’s September 17 order was aimed at preventing arbitrary demolitions without judicial oversight, ensuring that no action could be taken without the court’s explicit permission. The petitioners in the contempt case assert that the state authorities in Gujarat disregarded this ruling, moving forward with demolitions that not only violated the court’s directive but also caused significant hardship to affected residents and religious institutions.

What Lies Ahead

With the hearing deferred for three weeks, all eyes will be on the proceedings, as the Supreme Court may consider strict actions against the Gujarat authorities for their alleged disregard of its orders. The case could potentially set a significant precedent in terms of state compliance with judicial directives related to demolition actions and property rights.

This legal development raises critical questions regarding the balance between law enforcement actions and individual property rights, particularly in cases involving alleged criminal activities. The Supreme Court’s final ruling on the matter could have far-reaching implications for how state authorities carry out demolitions in the future.