Chandigarh, October 22, 2024: The Supreme Court will hear the petition of three persons accused in the Bahraich violence case on Wednesday, halting any demolition actions by the Uttar Pradesh government until then.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also assured the court that no action will be taken until the hearing. The accused approached the Supreme Court to challenge the demolition notice issued by the state government.
Senior advocate CU Singh, representing the petitioners, requested an urgent hearing before the Supreme Court, citing the short three-day response window given by the UP government. The advocate also pointed out that the High Court did not provide any relief. In response, the Supreme Court verbally instructed the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) to halt any actions until Wednesday, when the matter will be reviewed.
The issue stems from a communal clash in Maharajganj that escalated after 22-year-old Ram Gopal Mishra was shot dead during a dispute over loud music being played outside a religious site. The incident sparked widespread violence, including acts of arson and vandalism, prompting authorities to suspend internet services in the area for four days.
Following the violence, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested five individuals, including the prime suspect, after an encounter on October 17. During the operation, two of the accused sustained gunshot wounds. ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash confirmed that the suspects were involved in the violence and had been planning to flee to Nepal.
The case now awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the petition regarding the demolition notice.
