Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to Assam Govt Over Illegal Demolitions

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued a contempt notice to the Assam government following a petition by 47 residents accusing the state of violating the court’s order prohibiting demolitions without judicial approval.

The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, directed Assam to respond within three weeks and maintain status quo until the next hearing.

The petitioners allege their homes were demolished despite a Supreme Court order and an assurance from the Assam Advocate General to the Gauhati High Court on September 20, which stated no action would be taken until their petitions were resolved.

The case pertains to ‘bulldozer actions’ against 47 households in Kachutoli Pathar and nearby areas in Kamrup district. The petitioners argue they have lived there for decades under agreements with original landowners. They contest being labelled “illegal occupants” of tribal land, asserting their occupation was lawful under existing agreements.

The petition accuses the authorities of violating eviction protocols, including failing to issue a one-month eviction notice. It also claims demolitions occurred without fair hearings, violating fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution, which ensure equality before the law and the right to life.

The Supreme Court’s September 17 order banned demolitions without prior judicial consent, except in cases involving encroachments on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or water bodies. Despite this, Assam authorities allegedly marked the petitioners’ homes for demolition without notice, prompting the contempt petition.