Be it temple or dargah, it has to go: Supreme Court on encroachment
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said public safety was paramount and any religious structure, be it temple or dargah, encroaching on roads or railway tracks must go. The top court, which was hearing petitions challenging bulldozer action against people accused of crimes, extended its interim order barring demolitions across the country without prior judicial approval.
The Supreme Court said India was a secular country and its directions on bulldozer action and anti-encroachment drives would be irrespective of any religion.
"We are a secular country and our direction will be for all, irrespective of religion or community. If there is any religious structure in the middle of the road, be it gurudwara or dargah or temple, it cannot obstruct the public," the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court said.
Last month, the Supreme Court barred demolitions across the country till October 1, except in cases involving encroachments on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or water bodies.
During the hearing, the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh governments, if being an accused in a criminal case could be a ground for facing bulldozer action.
"No, absolutely not. Even for heinous crimes like rape or terrorism. Like my lord said, it cannot also be that the notice issued is stuck one day before, it has to be in advance," the Solicitor General said.
