Malali Mosque Row: ADGP Alok Kumar says nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order
Mangaluru: AGDP Alok Kumar said, “Concerning the newly risen controversy at Malali, we will not allow disruption of law and order”, he said.
After accepting his role as the AGDP, Alok Kumar who arrived in Mangaluru for the first time spoke to the media representative before conducting a meeting with the officials at the Police Commissioner's office.
“Malali issue is currently with the court. The court has ordered to maintain the status quo until June 3. In that regard, actions have been undertaken to safeguard law and order”, he said.
“Mangaluru is a delicate region. In one year, there is going to be an election here. After discussing with the officials in this regard, necessary actions will be undertaken”, he informed.
“In the wake of increasing Cyber Crimes, Mangaluru police have taken necessary actions. An inspection will be conducted in this regard. Along with that, discussions will also be conducted with the officials about taking necessary action in the coastal region”, he said.
Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, DCPs Hariram Shankar, and Dinesh Kumar were present during the occasion.
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Supreme Court condemns 'bulldozer justice,' says executive cannot replace judiciary
Issues guidelines against demolition of properties over criminal allegations
New Delhi: In a significant judgement on Wednesday, 13 November, the Supreme Court emphasised that properties cannot be demolished solely based on criminal accusations or convictions. The Court asserted that such actions contravene the rule of law and infringe upon the principle of separation of powers, as only the judiciary has the authority to determine a person's guilt.
"The executive cannot pronounce a person guilty. If the executive demolishes the property of the person merely on the basis of accusation, it will strike at the rule of law. The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building reminds one of lawlessness, where might was right. Such high-handed and arbitrary actions have no place in a constitutional democracy. Our constitutional ethos do not permit such a course of action," the Court stated.
The judgement, delivered by a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, came in response to a series of petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, seeking to halt the use of demolitions as a punitive measure against those accused of crimes. The Court directed that public officials who engage in such actions be held accountable.
"Public officials who take the law into their own hands and act in a high-handed manner must be held accountable," the Court observed, underlining the importance of respecting due process.
Further, the Court noted that demolitions often impose "collective punishment" on the families of the accused or convicted, and therefore outlined specific guidelines to prevent misuse of such actions. Key directives included:
Authorities must issue a show-cause notice before proceeding with demolitions, giving owners at least 15 days to respond.
Property owners should be notified via registered post, and the notice must detail the nature of the unauthorised construction and grounds for demolition.
The designated authority must allow for a personal hearing, with proceedings duly recorded.
Demolition actions should be videographed, with reports sent to the Municipal Commissioner.
Even after issuing a demolition order, affected parties should be given time to challenge it legally. In cases where individuals do not wish to contest, adequate time must be allowed for vacating the premises.
The Court highlighted the adverse impact of such demolitions on vulnerable groups, observing, "It is not a happy sight to see women, children, and aged persons dragged to the street overnight. Heavens will not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period."
However, the Court clarified that these guidelines would not apply to cases of unauthorised structures on public land, such as roads, footpaths, railway lines, or water bodies, or where a Court order for demolition exists.
This judgement builds upon previous stays on demolitions, including an interim order on 17 September, which prohibited demolitions across the country without Court permission except in cases of public encroachments.
