Did the Supreme Court Issue a Contempt Notice to Assam's Chief Secretary Over Demolition in Goalpara?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Assam's Chief Secretary over a controversial demolition drive in Goalpara, raising questions about due process and adherence to court guidelines. This case not only highlights potential legal violations but also the plight of the affected residents. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court issues notice to Assam’s Chief Secretary
- Concerns over due process in eviction and demolition
- Residents claim violations of their rights
- New guidelines for demolitions set by the Supreme Court
- Government accountability in eviction processes
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice concerning a plea that seeks contempt proceedings against the Chief Secretary of Assam and other officials for allegedly executing a mass eviction and demolition operation in Goalpara’s Hasila Beel, purportedly in violation of the court’s guidelines.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai requested responses from Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Principal Secretary of Revenue & Disaster Management Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Goalpara District Commissioner Khanindra Choudhury, Superintendent of Police Nabaneet Mahanta, and other officials involved.
“Issue notice, returnable in two weeks. The personal presence of the alleged contemnor(s) is waived until further orders,” the bench, which also included Justice K. Vinod Chandran, directed.
According to the plea, filed by advocate Adeel Ahmed, the petitioners were not provided with adequate time or a chance for a hearing. Instead, they received a notice demanding the removal of their homes, structures, shops, and crops within just two days in an “arbitrary and high-handed manner.”
“The eviction and demolition activities have resulted in the destruction of houses, crops, properties, and belongings of the petitioners and other similarly affected individuals,” the plea states.
The petitioners, who identify as landless, assert that their ancestors settled in the Hasila Beel revenue village of Balijana Revenue Circle approximately 50 to 60 years ago after losing their land and houses due to riverbank erosion caused by the Brahmaputra River.
The plea highlights that the eviction and demolition process was executed without granting a personal hearing or sufficient time for appeal or judicial review, blatantly disregarding the guidelines established in the case titled “In Re: Directions in the matter of demolition of structures.”
In November of the previous year, a bench consisting of then Justice Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan established nationwide directives regarding the demolition of unauthorized structures.
The Supreme Court had warned that any violation of its directives by state authorities could lead to criminal contempt and prosecution.
By issuing a series of directives under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court mandated that no demolition take place without a prior show cause notice. Furthermore, it stated that the demolition order would not be enforced for a period of 15 days and must be displayed on a designated digital portal maintained by each municipal and local authority. The Supreme Court clarified that its directives do not apply to unauthorized structures in public spaces, such as roads or footpaths, or in cases where a court has already ordered demolition.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain impartial while highlighting the concerns of the residents affected by the demolitions. The Supreme Court's intervention signifies the importance of adhering to legal processes and protecting the rights of vulnerable communities. The government must ensure that its actions are justified and transparent to avoid further public discontent.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Supreme Court to issue a contempt notice?
The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice in response to allegations that Assam officials conducted a mass eviction and demolition drive in Goalpara without following the court's guidelines.
What are the rights of residents during eviction processes?
Residents have the right to be informed and provided sufficient time for hearings before any eviction or demolition actions are taken, as per legal guidelines.
What were the Supreme Court's directives regarding demolitions?
The Supreme Court mandated that no demolitions should occur without prior show cause notices, and such orders should be displayed publicly for 15 days before enforcement.
How does this case affect future eviction policies?
This case could set a precedent for how eviction policies are implemented, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to legal processes and protection of residents' rights.
What should residents do if they face eviction?
Residents facing eviction should seek legal counsel and ensure they are informed of their rights, including the opportunity for hearings and appeals.
