The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a
plea over the alleged demolition of properties across states in the country.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and P K Mishra were
not inclined to hear the plea following which the counsel for the petitioners
withdrew it.
The bench told the petitioners' counsel that it has
recently reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions raising the plea that
properties, including those belonging to persons accused of crimes, were being
demolished in several states.
"It is already closed for judgement. Be
reasonable," the bench observed, adding that its judgement might also deal
with the issue raised by the petitioners.
The petitioners' counsel claimed there was data from
nine states in the plea and lakhs of people had been affected owing to the
demolitions.
The counsel was subsequently allowed to withdraw the
petition.
On October 1, the top court had said it would frame
pan-India guidelines on demolition of properties and religious structures in
the middle of a road -- be it a 'dargah' (shrine) or a temple -- had to go as
public interest was paramount.
A person being an accused or a convict is not a
ground to demolish properties, the apex court said as it reserved its verdict
on the pleas.
It also pointed out that an unauthorised
construction by any person, irrespective of their religion or belief, had to be
removed.
The September 17 order, which barred demolitions
till October 1 without the top court's permission, will continue till it
decides the matter.
The apex court had, however, made it clear that it
will not protect any encroachment on public places, roads, footpaths,
government lands, forests, water bodies and similar areas.
The petitioners, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and others,
sought the top court's directions to various state governments to reportedly
ensure no further demolition of properties of those accused in cases of rioting
and violence takes place.
The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had earlier filed a plea in
the apex court over the demolition of some buildings in Jahangirpuri area in
the national capital.
It had also said no demolition should be carried out
without following the due process of law and without a prior notice.