Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak Supports Supreme Court's Decision on Demolition Guidelines

On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced that the state government respects the Supreme Court's decision to extend an interim order preventing property demolitions without permission. He assured that the order would be implemented responsibly.

Earlier, the Supreme Court reserved its order on framing pan-India guidelines for demolition drives and extended its interim order, pausing demolitions without permission until further notice. Pathak stated, "We respect the decision of the honourable court...Whatever the court says, we will implement it. It is our responsibility."

Uttar Pradesh Minister Dharampal Singh added, "We cannot interfere in the decision of the court. It must be respected."

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan emphasized that public safety is paramount, stating that unauthorized constructions, including religious structures on roads, must be removed as they obstruct public pathways. The court clarified that India is a secular country and that the guidelines would apply to all religions.

The Supreme Court also expressed concern about the misuse of municipal laws and stated that demolitions cannot be conducted merely because a person is accused or convicted. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta suggested that there should be different laws for municipal corporations and nagar panchayats and proposed an online portal for awareness.

Senior Advocate CU Singh highlighted instances of demolitions in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, to which the court responded that it does not encourage encroachments. The court also noted that some authorities have used bulldozers as a crime-fighting measure, which has become a political tool.