Amidst probing the demolition drive in Nuh subsequent to a bout of communal unrest, the Punjab and Haryana High Court raised probing questions on Monday. It questioned whether properties belonging to a specific community were selectively targeted, veiling the intent as a mere law and order issue. The court even contemplated the possibility of an insidious “exercise of ethnic cleansing.”
Raising concerns over reports indicating a lack of proper demolition orders and notices, the Division Bench, comprising Justices G S Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan, asserted that any ongoing demolition should cease if proper legal protocols were not followed. The court requisitioned an affidavit from the state government, seeking details on the number of demolished structures and whether any formal notifications preceded these actions.
Citing news articles, the court highlighted the rationale presented for the demolitions, stating that structures adjacent to a hospital, including commercial and residential establishments, were razed due to alleged illegal construction and associations with anti-social activities. Drawing from this, the court invoked the cautionary words of Lord Acton, “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Aiming for a comprehensive understanding, the Bench scheduled the next hearing for August 11 and designated Advocate Kshitij Sharma as amicus curiae to provide expert guidance. Meanwhile, Nuh Deputy Commissioner Dhirender Khargata conveyed a halt to the crackdown on illicit constructions.
The flashpoint in Nuh emerged on July 31 during a religious procession led by the VHP and Bajrang Dal, triggering communal clashes that led to six fatalities, including two home guards. Subsequently, the demolition campaign commenced on August 3, with residents decrying a lack of prior notifications. Numerous unauthorized shanties, makeshift shops, and some permanent structures fell victim to the bulldozers.The court’s inquisitive stance sheds light on potential ulterior motives behind the demolition drive, raising pertinent questions about the procedural fairness and underlying motivations. As legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice prevails in the aftermath of the disturbing events in Nuh.
