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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed Supreme Court today that the submission by Jamiat-Ulema-I-Hind that muslims are being targeted in the illegal encroachment demolition drives is factually incorrect.

Before a bench of Justice L. Nageswara Rao & Justice BR Gavai, the Solicitor General said that the government doesn't segregate it's citizens on the basis of religion. He then went on to state that the raging debate in the country is that of demolitions which were carried out in Khargone, wherein 88 per cent of demolitions that took place were homes of Hindus and not muslims.

During his arguments, Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave interjected, following which Justice Rao pulled him up by adding that he was not disturbed during his submissions. Solicitor General then added, 

"He cannot do that because I am not here to sensationalise"

The law officer told court that not a single individual has approached the Supreme Court against demolition of illegal encroachments but an organisation (Jamiat-Ulema-I-Hind), because then "these individuals will have to justify their locus".

"Every demolition has been carried out with prior notice, in fact the one in Jahangirpuri began way back in January and for the one in Khargone, notices were issued in 2021".
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave had begun his submissions by stating that the demolitions were targeting the muslims and the poor only. He said that the Bharatiya Janta Party President's "wish had become the command of officials", i.e. to take forward the demolition drive after hindu festivals.

"No Order of demolition can be made without giving notice. You have destroyed homes!! Who should be held accountable? They are poor people. Every colony, every second house in Delhi, including in Golf links where I live has unauthorised constructions! But you touch the poor!," Dave vociferously argued.

 

The Supreme Court has issued notice in the petition(s) against the usage of bulldozer's for razing down properties of those who indulge in violence.

The main plea has been filed by Jamiat Ulema I Hind. The organisation has urged the top court to issue appropriate directions to the centre and States that such actions cannot be taken against any accused in any criminal proceedings.

The Court has also issued an extension of the stay order with respect to demolition drive against unauthorised constructions at Jahangirpuri at Delhi.