UP Name & Shame Hoardings: ‘No Law To Back Govt Action,’ Says SC; Refers Case To Larger Bench

UP Name & Shame Hoardings case: The top court was hearing an appeal filed by the Uttar Pradesh government challenging the March 9 order of the Allahabad High Court directing the state administration to remove posters of those accused of vandalism during the anti-CAA protests.

Image: PTI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stay Allahabad High Court order directing the concerned authorities to remove the posters of those accused persons allegedly involved in vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh, and referred the case to a larger bench. The SC directed the matter to be placed for detailed hearing before a three-judge bench. While hearing the Special Leave Petition filed by Uttar Pradesh Govt against the Allahabad HC order, SC told the Uttar Pradesh government that there is no law as of now to back its action of putting roadside posters of those accused of vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in Lucknow. A vacation bench of Justices U U Lalit and Aniruddha Bose told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Uttar Pradesh, that it is a matter of "great importance". The bench also asked Mehta whether the state government has the power to put such posters. The apex court, however, said there is no doubt that action should be taken against the rioters and they should be punished. Mehta told the court that posters were put up as a "deterrent" and the hoardings only says the persons are liable to pay for their alleged acts during the violence. A  lawyer appearing for one of the accused, stated before Supreme Court that you (UP Govt) don't have the authority of law to put the hoardings like this. "This is a vindictive approach by the state government," the lawyer stated. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by the Uttar Pradesh government challenging the March 9 order of the Allahabad High Court directing the state adminstration to remove posters of those accused of vandalism during the anti-CAA protests. (with inputs from agencies)