New Delhi: Muslim outfit Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Center and some states, including Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, not to take “expeditious action” like demolition of buildings in criminal proceedings.
The plea assumes significance due to the recent action taken by authorities in Madhya Pradesh for using bulldozers to destroy properties of riot accused during Ram Navami celebrations in Madhya Pradesh.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, in its petition, said that the act of demolition of a house as a punishment in a criminal proceeding is unknown to the criminal law.
The petitioners also seek a declaration that residential accommodation or any commercial property cannot be demolished as a punitive measure…
“It is further prayed that Ministers, Legislators and any person unconnected with the criminal investigation shall be prevented from divulging the criminal responsibility in respect of a criminal action, publicly or through any official communication, until a decision by a criminal court.” instructions to be issued.”
The petition alleges that several ministers and MLAs have made statements regarding the crime of a certain section of the society.
Referring to similar actions taken by states in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, it said these “undermine our country’s criminal justice system, including the crucial role of courts”.
“The legal process, including pre-trial and trial phase, is hampered by these acts of the State, therefore, urgent action is required to prevent such incidents from repeating. States where such measures are being employed by administrative authorities Backed by the top leadership in these states, they are being acquitted. Therefore, this court should take steps to prevent further escalation of the situation and also prevent such acts from being repeated in other states. ” The plea said.
It said that as a punishment, punitive action is being taken without giving them an opportunity of being heard initially.
The petition has been filed by Gulzar Ahmed Noor Mohammad Azmi, secretary of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, said Fazlur Rehman Qasmi, press secretary of the Muslim body.