Shaheen Bagh demolition: SC refuses to intervene, pulls up civic body for not sending prior notice

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to intervene in the Shaheen Bagh anti-encroachment drive and directed affected parties to approach the Delhi High Court instead.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to intervene in the Shaheen Bagh anti-encroachment drive, hours after bulldozers rolled in and out of the Delhi neighbourhood amid protests by hundreds of locals.

Addressing the petitioners’ counsel, the bench questioned why a political party had approached the Supreme Court and not the residents or shopkeepers directly affected by the BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s demolition drive.

“What is this CPI(M) party filing this case? We can understand if the affected person came here. What fundamental right of a party that is violated? Is there no individual who is affected?” the bench asked.

When senior advocate P Surendranath, appearing for the petitioners, told the court that that the hawkers associated was also a plaintiff, the court stated that hawkers can be removed if they are found violating the rules.

“Hawkers are persons who sell on the roads. In Jahangirpuri, we had to intervene because there was demolition of buildings. How are hawkers affected? Hawkers are those who sit on platforms. The residents or shopkeepers should come,” the bench reiterated.

The top court also pulled up the civic body, demanding why it doesn’t undertakeanti-encroachment exercises without prior notice and in accordance with the law.

“We are not interfering but when you undertake these activities why don't you do it as per law? Why don't you issue notice to them? We are telling you don't demolish any structures without notice,” the court said.