The Supreme Court directed a petitioner, Mohammed Ghayoor, to approach the jurisdictional high court for contempt proceedings against Sambhal authorities for allegedly violating demolition guidelines. Authorities bulldozed Ghayoor’s property without prior notice in January, contravening a ruling that requires a showcause notice and a response opportunity. The high court is deemed the appropriate forum for redress.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed a petitioner seeking contempt proceedings against Sambhal authorities for allegedly violating its demolition guidelines to approach the jurisdictional high court.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran told the petitioner’s counsel, “File it before the high court,” emphasizing that the issue is best handled at that level. The court also granted liberty to the petitioner to move the high court for appropriate relief.
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The plea, filed by Mohammed Ghayoor through advocate Chand Qureshi, alleged that the authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district bulldozed a portion of his property on January 10-11 without issuing a prior showcause notice or providing an opportunity for him or his family members to respond.
The petitioner cited the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling from November 13, 2024, which established pan-India guidelines on demolitions. The verdict explicitly barred authorities from demolishing properties without first serving a showcause notice and allowing a minimum of 15 days for the affected party to respond.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court declined to initiate contempt proceedings itself and reiterated that the high court was the appropriate forum for addressing the grievance.
The petitioner has now been given the option to file a fresh plea in the jurisdictional high court to seek action against the alleged violation.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over property demolitions in Uttar Pradesh and the importance of adhering to judicial directives to ensure due process.
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