Supreme Court Halts Demolition in Assam’s Sonapur After Residents’ Plea
New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court of India has ordered a halt to the demolition drive in Sonapur, Assam, following a petition by over 40 residents. The residents claimed that local authorities were violating a previous court order that paused demolitions without prior permission.
Background
On September 17, 2024, the Supreme Court issued an interim order stating that no demolitions should occur across the country without the Court’s permission. This order excluded unauthorized structures in public places or those with existing demolition orders from other courts.
The Petition
The residents, represented by Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, filed a contempt petition against the local authorities. They alleged that the authorities had begun an eviction drive in Kachutoli village without following the court’s order. The petitioners, including Faruk Ahmed, stated that they had been living in the area for many years under a power of attorney from the original landowners.
Court’s Decision
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued a notice to the Assam Government and other concerned parties. The Court directed all parties to maintain the status quo until further notice.
Residents’ Claims
The petitioners argued that they had been living peacefully in the area for decades and had never engaged in disputes with the local tribal communities. They claimed that the local authorities had marked their homes for demolition without any prior notice, violating the court’s order.
The residents also cited a Gauhati High Court order from September 20, 2024, which stated that no action should be taken against them until their representations were disposed of as directed by the Supreme Court in a 2020 order.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to halt the demolition provides temporary relief to the residents of Sonapur. The case will continue as the Court examines the allegations of contempt against the local authorities.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.
Demolition -: Demolition means tearing down buildings or structures. In this case, it refers to the authorities wanting to remove homes in Sonapur.
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its tea plantations and rich culture.
Sonapur -: Sonapur is a place in Assam where the residents are facing the issue of their homes being demolished.
Petition -: A petition is a formal request made to an authority. Here, the residents of Sonapur asked the Supreme Court to stop the demolition of their homes.
Local authorities -: Local authorities are the people or organizations in charge of managing a specific area, like a town or city. They make decisions about things like buildings and roads.
Status quo -: Status quo means keeping things the way they are right now. The Court wants everything to stay the same until they make a final decision.
Power of attorney -: Power of attorney is a legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another. The residents have been living in Sonapur under such an arrangement.