In a noteworthy move, the Supreme Court has intervened to suspend the ongoing demolition drive by railway authorities, aimed at removing "alleged illegal constructions" near the revered Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This temporary halt is set to last for a period of 10 days.

Following complaints from affected residents, the Supreme Court has intervened by issuing a stay order for a period of 10 days on the ongoing demolition drive initiated by railway authorities near the Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

The three-judge bench, led by Justice Aniruddha Bose issued a notice to both the Centre and railway authorities as it granted the temporary halt. Senior advocate Prashanto Chandra Sen, representing the residents, conveyed to the Court that out of nearly 200 houses in the settlement, only 70-80 remain after the demolition began on August 9.

The residents had previously filed a civil suit in May to prevent railways from claiming the land where they have resided since 1880. The petition filed through advocate Kaushik Chaudhary asserted, "The action of the respondent (Railways) in demolishing the house is absolutely illegal, arbitrary and in violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India." The demolition affected 135 houses in the Nai Basti settlement, located along the railway track near the Krishna Janmabhoomi.

Amid legal proceedings, the residents approached the Mathura court and the Allahabad High Court, but these efforts were hindered by a strike by the state bar council following a lawyer's shooting on August 12. This situation was exploited by the railway authority to begin demolishing the houses, as highlighted in the petition.

The Court emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with the civil court and scheduled the matter for the following week. The petitioner, Yakub Shah, emphasized that ongoing legal proceedings should prevent the railways from demolishing the houses, asserting that the demolition would lead to "irreparable loss and injury." He explained that residents were unable to file appeals due to the deployment of police officials by railway authorities to deter interference with the demolition work.

Earlier on August 14, the Supreme Court granted those affected by the demolition drive the right to approach the Allahabad High Court to challenge the railway's actions.

Image source: HT