Supreme Court Questions Assam's Alleged Illegal Demolitions Amidst Contempt Petition

The Supreme Court on Thursday took a significant step by issuing a notice to the Assam government over allegations of illegal demolitions in Hasila Beel, Goalpara district. The move came in response to a contempt petition filed by eight residents who claimed that 667 families faced eviction and demolition without proper legal procedure in June.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran, has demanded a detailed response from the Assam chief secretary and other concerned officials within a fortnight. The bench, however, clarified that if the state can prove the land in question is government-owned or involved in any public encroachment, the court's directive would not apply.

The petitioners, through their advocate Adeel Ahmed, have accused the Assam government of breaching Supreme Court guidelines established in a November 2024 verdict, which mandates a prior show-cause notice and a 15-day response period before any demolition. Allegedly, the authorities provided just a two-day notice before executing the demolition, depriving residents of any appeal or hearing.

Highlighting the plight of the evicted, the petitioners are pursuing interim relief through compensation, rehabilitation, and the reconstruction of demolished properties. They argue that their longstanding residence in the region had, until recently, remained unchallenged by state authorities, and stress the undue haste of the demolition actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)