SC DIRECTS TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO ON ASSAM'S SONAPUR DEMOLITION DRIVE

The Supreme Court on Monday directed T to maintain status quo on Assam's Sonapur demolition drive and issued notice to authorities concerned.

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This development comes after over 40 residents of the Sonapur area of Assam filed a contempt petition alleging wilful violation of the top court's interim order dated September 17 pausing the demolition practice across the country without prior permission.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi appeared for the petitioners in the matter. A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued notice to the Assam government and others on the petition seeking contempt proceedings against the local authorities for violating the top court's earlier order.

"Issue notice. In the meantime, parties to maintain the status quo," the top court said.

Over 40 residents of Assam's Sonapur area moved the top court, alleging wilful violation of the court's interim order dated September 17, 2024, directing that no demolition should take place across the country without prior permission as the local authorities have begun an eviction drive in the state's Kachutoli village.