SC issues notice to Assam govt over contempt plea in demolition case

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to Assam government authorities on a contempt petition alleging illegal demolitions of houses in Hasila Beel, Goalpara in Assam.

A bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran sought responses from the Assam chief secretary and others within two weeks.

The bench, however, said, "We want to issue notice but if the government comes with a defence that it is a government land, then we have already said that our order will not be applicable to land which are owned by the government, any encroachment on the streets, public place, abutting rivers and abutting water bodies."

The petition, filed by eight residents of Goalpara district, alleged mass eviction and demolition drives in June affected over 667 families who have been there on that land for 60-70 years.

The Brahmaputra changes courses from time to time and people have to move to higher grounds, said the counsel appearing for the petitioners.

The plea filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed sought contempt action against Assam government authorities for allegedly violating the apex court directives during its demolition exercise in Goalpara district.

It stated the demolition exercise was carried out without granting personal hearing and providing adequate time for appeal or judicial review.Supreme Court

Assam government

contempt plea

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The petition said a notice of only two days was given and the demolition was carried out immediately thereafter.

The petitioners said that were stated they have been residing along with their families in Hasilabeel revenue village for past 60 years without any objection being raised from any government authority till recently and on June 13, the authority issued notice directing all the occupants to remove structures by June 15.