The Punjab & Haryana High Court has drawn attention to the demolition of buildings in Nuh and Gurugram, emphasizing the absence of proper demolition orders and notifications. Justices GS Sandhawalia and Harpreet Kaur Jeewan, presiding over the bench, have expressed apprehension about the targeted demolition of structures belonging to a particular community, raising the question of whether these actions could signify a deliberate ethnic cleansing strategy by the State.
“Apparently, without any demolition orders and notices, the law and order problem is being used as a ruse to bring down buildings without following the procedure established by law.”
The issue also arises whether the buildings belonging to a particular community are being brought down under the guise of law and order problem and an exercise of ethnic cleansing is being conducted by the State,We are of the considered opinion that the constitution of India protects the citizen of this country and no demolition as such can be without following the procedure prescribed in law,” the order passed on August 7 stated.
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“The said news item would go on to show that buildings next to the hospital in the form of commercial buildings, residential buildings, restaurants which were in existence for a long time have been brought down by bulldozers. The news item also says that the Home Minister himself has said that bulldozers are part of illaj (treatment) since the Government is probing communal violence…Lord Acton has stated “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”,” the Court observed.
In response to recent communal clashes, the High Court has taken proactive measures, initiating suo motu cognizance to temporarily halt the ongoing demolition campaigns in Haryana’s Nuh district. Citing reports from both Times of India and The Indian Express, the Court cited evidence of ongoing demolitions and referenced authorities’ claims that these actions were aimed at dismantling unauthorized constructions linked to individuals involved in anti-social activities.
Amidst these developments, the High Court has formally summoned the State’s attention, compelling the State of Haryana to provide a detailed affidavit enumerating the number of buildings razed in Nuh and Gurugram within the last fortnight. The Court’s order underscores that any demolition activity conducted without adhering to legal procedures should be immediately halted. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 11th.
