SC refuses contempt against 3 states on demolition drives

Says those affected by demolitions can come to court

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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to hear a petition alleging contempt of its order regarding the demolition of properties by authorities in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, P K Mishra, and K V Viswanathan stated they were not inclined to take up the petition, as the petitioner had no direct or indirect connection to the issue.

"We don't want to open a Pandora's box," the bench remarked, emphasising that those directly affected by the demolitions should approach the court.

The petitioner's lawyer argued that authorities in Haridwar, Jaipur, and Kanpur had violated the Supreme Court's order, which had explicitly stated that no demolitions should occur without the court's permission.