Supreme Court orders status quo on Assam demolition drive
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed a status quo on the proposed evictions and demolitions in Assam’s Sonapur. A Bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued a notice on a contempt petition challenging the demolitions and directed the State government to respond within three weeks.
The plea was filed by forty-eight residents who argued that the demolition drive was in violation of the Supreme Court's recent interim order against the use of bulldozers for demolishing properties of individuals suspected of criminal activities without prior permission.
Sonapur, located on the outskirts of Guwahati within the Kamrup Metro district, has recently witnessed a series of eviction notices issued by the district administration, which classified several residents as ‘illegal occupiers’ or ‘encroachers’ on tribal lands.
The contempt plea, filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed, stated that the houses were marked for demolition without any prior notice or hearing. The petitioners argued that they hold rights over the land through a power of attorney, and that their families have resided there since the 1920s, prior to the establishment of protected tribal belts in the area. They also submitted that they possess utility facilities, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter ID cards based on their residency.
The residents further contended that the proposed demolitions are in breach of an undertaking recorded before the Gauhati High Court, which granted them interim protection. They have sought contempt proceedings against officials for violating court orders and urged the Supreme Court to halt the eviction process.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while the plea was drafted by advocates Abdur Razzaque Bhuyan, Sana Parveen, and Arijeet Baruah.
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Landslide in Shivamogga: Bodies of three manual workers recovered from under debris
District authorities close Hulikal Ghat route, also Agumbe Ghat, Nittur-Nagodi Ghat roads
Shivamogga: The bodies of three workers who had died in an incident of landslide near a hairpin bend on State Highway 52 in Hulikal Ghat of Hosanagar taluk on Thursday were recovered by the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and fire brigade staff members on Friday.
The mishap reportedly occurred during the work of widening the road near the Shri Chandikamba Temple at Hulikal Ghat.
The deceased workers are identified as Raghu of Chakkaru village near Shivamogga city, and Shabbir and Raju of Nelagallu village, Haveri district.
The bodies of Raghu and Raju were found on Thursday night, while Shabbir’s body was found at 3 am on Friday. The bodies have been shifted to the mortuary of the city hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Four other workers are said to have been injured and are being treated in hospital.
Senior BJP leader and Theerthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra paid a visit to the mishap scene and also visited the hospital to inquire about the health condition of the workers.
He expressed sorrow at the loss of life in the incident and told reporters he offered condolence and support to the bereaved families.
The State Highway 52 has been blocked at Hulikal Ghat for traffic movement at present, following the Thursday landslide. Although it is a prominent stretch that connects Shivamogga to Theerthahalli, Nagara, Hulikal Ghat and Kundapur, the authorities have announced it closure for vehicular movement till further instructions.
In addition, the district authorities have asked vehicle users to avoid the Agumbe Ghat route in Theerthahalli taluk and Nittur-Nagodi Ghat route of Hosanagar taluk, which are most frequently used, and take alternative roads.
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