The Supreme Court recently took up a case concerning the demolition of a portion of the Madni mosque located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The court has raised serious questions for Uttar Pradesh officials, specifically regarding why they seemingly ignored a previous court order.
Supreme Court Questions Uttar Pradesh Authorities
Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih have issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh authorities, asking them to explain why contempt proceedings – legal actions for disobeying a court order – should not be started against them. This action comes after a plea argued that the demolition occurred without the necessary advance notice, which the Supreme Court had mandated in its ruling on November 13, 2024. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has put a stop to any further demolition activities in the area.
Details of the Plea
The plea claims that the mosque demolition directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s earlier directives designed to safeguard religious buildings. The court had initially instructed authorities to provide adequate notice before proceeding with any demolitions. The demolition in Kushinagar appears to have bypassed this requirement, prompting the legal challenge. The justices stressed that adhering to court orders is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of every person.
The Supreme Court bench directly asked, “Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated?” This question underlines the gravity of the alleged violation. The court’s strong stance demonstrates their concern over what appears to be a disregard for their instructions. This legal battle highlights the sensitive balance between development projects and the need to protect religious sites. The mosque demolition case is still ongoing, and the Supreme Court’s involvement seeks to ensure that all actions comply with the law and proper legal processes.