Jahangirpuri demolition not the first instance where a court order was not followed

The demolition drive against 'illegal' structures in Jahangirpuri proceeded for another hour and a half even after the Supreme Court ordered a stay.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the demolition drive against 'illegal' structures in Delhi's Jahangirpuri area. The demolition drive, however, proceeded for another hour and a half after the Supreme Court pronounced its ruling. The authorities said they were yet to receive the order.

Over the years there have been several instances where court orders have been defied and demolitions carried out.

Here are a few instances where demolition drives were carried out despite court orders:

Despite Allahabad HC Order, Century-Old Mosque Demolished in UP

On May 17, 2021, authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district bulldozed a mosque in the Ram Sanehi Ghat area, despite an order from the Allahabad High Court dated April 24. The court order stated that "any orders of eviction, dispossession, or demolition shall remain in abeyance until 31 May" due to the pandemic.

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According to a report by The Guardian, police officers entered the location, got people to leave the mosque ground, and then bulldozed the structure. The debris was then dumped into a river. Security personnel also barred anyone from approaching the demolition site within a mile.