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In the exclusive conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister also said that jungle raj existed under previous governments in UP
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath in conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. (Image: News18)
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj hit back at the opposition for saying that, following the Supreme Court’s directions, now “bulldozer terror and jungle raj” would end in UP.
“Jungle raj existed under previous governments in UP. The rule that has come in UP after 2017 is Ram Rajya. Security for everyone, respect for everyone, connecting everyone with welfare schemes, giving everyone their rights, all this has happened in UP,” said the CM, who received the moniker of “Bulldozer Baba” from some sections for his demolition drives. “After the order of the honourable Supreme Court, our work has become easier. And you must have seen during the hearing that Uttar Pradesh was the only state that has taken its actions forward by following all the guidelines of the honourable Supreme Court. And even now, our actions against the anti-social elements are progressing uninterruptedly while following due process and within the ambit of the law.”
A two-judge Supreme Court bench in November issued pan-India guidelines to prevent the “illegal” demolition of homes and other structures.
The top court came down heavily on the “bulldozer justice” trend and said demolition carried out without permission from the authorities concerned would be considered “arbitrary”.
“Rule of law is the foundation of democratic governance. The accused’s guilt can’t be prejudged. We have concluded that if the executive demolishes the house of a person arbitrarily merely because he is accused, it violates the principle of separation of powers,” said Justice BR Gavai.
He added, “Any such action of the authorities without following the proper process of law would be completely arbitrary.”
The two-judge bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, issued a set of pan-India guidelines.
The top court said, “Proceedings of demolition should be videographed and shall be duly preserved. Also, the demolition report shall be sent to the district collector and displayed on a digital portal.”
The bench directed that no demolition be carried out without prior show cause notice and within 15 days from the date of the notice being served.
“Designated authorities shall give personal hearing to the persons whose house comes under question,” the court said.
The bench made it clear that its directions would not be applicable if there is unauthorised construction on public land or an order of demolition by a court of law.
It said accused and convicts have certain rights and safeguards in light of the Constitution and the criminal law.
- Location :
Prayagraj, India
