'Don't Want To Open Pandora Box': SC Junks Plea Alleging Breach Of Order Staying 'Bulldozer Action' By 3 States

The petition was filed against demolition activities by Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments in Haridwar, Jaipur and Kanpur respectively.

The court however said that it will hear those affected by the demolition of properties.

Source : ANI

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition alleging contempt of its order staying demolition of properties by three state government authorities, saying that it does not want to open a pandora box and will only entertain petitions from those directlyor indirectly affected by demolitions.

The petition was filed against demolition activities by Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments in Haridwar, Jaipur and Kanpur respectively.

After the plea was mentioned before the bench of Justice B R Gavai, Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan, the court said it was not inclined to entertain the plea as the petitioner was not directly or indirectly affected by the alleged act.

The court however said that it will hear those affected by the demolition of properties.

The plea alleged that the state authorities demolished properties and their action was in contempt of the top court's order which had said that demolitions would not be carried out without its permission.

On October 1, the Supreme Court reserved judgment and said that the interim stay on demolitions without court permission across the country shall continue till further orders. Earlier, the top court had stayed demolitions without court permission uptill October 1. 

The top court said that it will issue directions that shall be applicable to all irrespective of religion.

The apex court had reserved verdict after concluding hearing on suggestions to lay down guidelines for carrying out demolitions across the country and orally remarked that public safety is paramount and be it a Temple or a Dargah, any religious structure cannot obstruct public.

Justice BR Gavai had further said that for unauthorised constructions the action has to be on law, it is not dependent on religion or faith or beliefs. The top court said it will issue pan-India guidelines that shall be applicable to all. The bench said that in its guidelines it will clarify that demolitions can't be carried out merely because someone is an accused or a convict.

However, it had clarified that its order would not be applicable to unauthorised structures on public roads, footpaths, railways lines or public places like water bodies etc.