Supreme Court Halts Assam's Bulldozer Action in Sonapur, Issues Contempt Notice

Sep 30, 2024, 07:32 AM

On September 30, 2024, the Supreme Court of India issued a contempt notice to the Assam government over alleged wilful violations of its interim order prohibiting demolitions without prior approval. The court's interim order, dated September 17, 2024, directed that no demolition should take place across the state. Despite this, residents allege that the state government resumed demolitions in the Sonapur area. The Supreme Court directed the authorities to maintain the status quo on the demolition drive and ordered a halt to the ongoing 'bulldozer action'. The contempt petition was filed by 47 residents who claimed that their homes were being unlawfully demolished. The Assam government has been given three weeks to respond to the notice.