The Supreme Court strongly criticised an Andhra Pradesh officer for defying High Court orders and illegally demolishing slum huts in Guntur. Justice B.R. Gavai rebuked him, saying, “Jab aapne logon ke ghar tode, tab aapko Bhagwan ki yaad nahi aayi?”
NEW DELHI: Today, 6th May: The Supreme Court of India came down heavily on a Deputy Collector from Andhra Pradesh, who had earlier served as a Tahsildar in Guntur district.
The officer was found guilty of acting against the orders of the Andhra Pradesh High Court by forcibly evicting slum-dwellers and demolishing their huts. This action led to the displacement of several poor families and raised serious concerns about contempt of court and abuse of power.
Justice B.R. Gavai, leading the bench, made a powerful remark expressing the Court’s displeasure.
He said:
“Jab aapne logon ke ghar tode, tab aapko Bhagwan ki yaad nahi aayi? Ab jab humne aapke bachchon ke baare mein bola, to aap ghabra gaye, lekin ab aap jail jaayenge, aur naukri bhi chali jaayegi. Ye baat chup nahi reh sakti. Koi bhi kanoon se upar nahi hai. Hum apne High Courts ka aisa apmaan bardasht nahi kar sakte. Aap Vijayawada mein hain, Balaji se prarthana kar lijiye.”
This translates to the judge questioning why the officer did not remember God when he was demolishing people’s homes. The judge noted how the officer became fearful only when the consequences involved his own family and future. Justice Gavai warned that the officer would now go to jail and lose his job for such illegal actions.
The judge further reminded everyone that “No one is above the law” and that “such disrespect to the High Courts cannot be tolerated.”
In another stern message during the proceedings, Justice Gavai told the officer:
“We are giving you 10 minutes. Consider carefully and let us know whether you are willing to go to the Tahsildar’s court, otherwise, be prepared to face imprisonment.”
The incident under review dates back to 2013, when slums in Hyderabad were demolished despite clear instructions from the High Court against such action. The officer in question, who was then a tehsildar, is currently in jail and facing contempt of court charges.
He had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, saying he had family responsibilities and risked losing his job if he remained in jail for over 48 hours.
But the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice BR Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India, was in no mood to forgive.
“You took 80 policemen with you to violate court orders? You deliberately disobeyed court orders?”
The bench, clearly upset, warned that no one should take judicial orders lightly.
“If someone is playing with the dignity of the High Court… we will immediately arrest that person,” said Justice Gavai.
“Does he (the Andhra official who led the demolition) consider himself above the High Court? No concession for those who do not respect the law.”
The judge questioned how the demolition could have happened in the first place.
“How were the slums demolished despite a High Court order?”
The court was clearly referring to the 2013 High Court judgment that had protected the rights of slum residents from such actions.
The officer’s lawyer pleaded with the bench, explaining that the demolition occurred at a time of statewide protests over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the officer’s current family situation.
“He was the tehsildar (land revenue officer) and this happened when protests were going on over the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He has two children…”
“… and, if he remains in jail for more than 48 hours, he will lose his job.”
But the court was not swayed.
“Did he think about the children whose houses he demolished? What about those children? He dared to violate the High Court’s directions in 2013…”
When the lawyer tried to argue that the officer’s role had changed, saying:
“He is now the state government’s protocol director…”
Justice Gavai shot back sharply.
“So now his job is to welcome VIPs and clear the roads by demolishing slums? He should stay (in jail) and enjoy state hospitality. Or we can impose heavy costs… for people whose houses he demolished…”
“And we can demote him. Ask him if he wants to become a tehsildar again…”
Despite the tough talk, the court agreed to hear the officer’s petition, although it gave no indication of any relief being granted.
