UP: Ex-DM, cops booked for 'intentionally' disobeying laws, demolishing house
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh Police has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 26 people, including a former district magistrate and other officials, for allegedly demolishing a house unlawfully.
The house was razed without prior notice in Maharajganj in 2019.
The FIR was filed at Kotwali police station on December 30, on the Supreme Court's directive.
Legal proceedings
FIR names officials, charges include rioting and criminal conspiracy
The FIR names several top officials including former District Magistrate Amarnath Upadhyay and Additional DM Kunj Bihari Agarwal.
Others accused include municipal and public works department officers, a National Highways Authority of India officer, engineers, police inspectors, and unknown persons.
They have been booked for rioting, "intentionally" disobeying law, creating false documents, and criminal conspiracy.
Inspector Satendra Rai said further probe will be done by state's Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID).
Court intervention
Supreme Court reprimands UP government, orders compensation
Notably, on November 6, the Supreme Court had criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for an "illegal" demolition in 2019.
The court emphasized that demolitions shouldn't be conducted without providing residents sufficient time to vacate their properties.
It had also directed the state to pay ₹25 lakh as compensation to Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, whose house was illegally demolished.
Legal guidelines
Supreme Court emphasizes proper procedures in demolition projects
The SC's order also stressed on following due process in road widening and encroachment removal drives.
"You cannot come with bulldozers and demolish constructions overnight. You do not give the family the time to vacate. What about the household articles inside the house?" the bench asked.
The bench, headed by then CJI D Y Chandrachud, asked the state to report compliance in a month.