A big controversy has arisen over the bulldozer action taken by the state government recently in Hasilabil area of Goalpara district of Assam. Now the Supreme Court has also shown strictness on this move of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government. The court has issued a notice of contempt to the Chief Secretary of Assam and other officials regarding this action.
Why did the Supreme Court send a contempt notice
The bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud of the Supreme Court found that this action has been taken against the already laid down rules and guidelines. The court has sought a reply from Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, Principal Secretary of Revenue Department Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Goalpara District Magistrate Khanindra Chaudhary and Superintendent of Police Nabanit Mahanta and other officials within two weeks. However, at present these officials have been exempted from personal appearance.
Victims’ ordeal: Houses demolished without hearing
In this entire matter, the victims say that they neither received any notice nor a chance to present their side. In just two days, they were ordered to remove their houses, shops and crops and then everything was demolished using bulldozers in the presence of heavy police force. The people who filed the petition say that they are landless and have been living in this area for the last 50-60 years due to the erosion of the Brahmaputra river.
What does the Supreme Court’s bulldozer guideline say?
The Supreme Court had issued a clear guideline in November 2023 stating that it is illegal to demolish any construction without notice. It is necessary to give at least 15 days’ time and it is mandatory to upload all orders on a public digital portal. However, these guidelines do not apply to encroachments on public places like roads, footpaths, rivers or railway lines. But the action of the Assam government has taken place in a residential area, which has made the matter more serious.
What will happen now: Investigation under the supervision of the court
Now the Supreme Court will investigate the matter thoroughly to find out whether the Assam government has really violated the orders of the court. If this is found to be true, criminal contempt proceedings can be initiated against the concerned officials. This matter is not only related to law and order but also to human rights. In such a situation, the eyes of the entire country are now fixed on the upcoming hearing of the Supreme Court.
