SC disapproves Gujjars' public property destruction

New Delhi, June 5: The Supreme Court today took serious note of large-scale destruction of public and private properties during a week-long agitation by Gujjars demanding Scheduled Tribe status in Rajasthan.

The apex court suo motu directed the Director General of Police of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Prsdesh and the Commissioner of Delhi Police to file affidavits within 10 days detailing the action taken and/or proposed to be taken against the offenders.

Vacation Bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and D K Jain also directed that affidavits shall also indicate if no action has been taken as yet, the cause therefore.

The apex court, expressing shock and anguish in its order, noted '' it has come to our notice that in the last one week there has been large-scale destruction of public and private property and no preventive action appears to have been taken and unfortunately, it does not prime facie appear that any action has been taken against the offenders who were responsible for destruction of such properties. The electronic media shows the offenders have done some very heroic or laudable thing because their faces are beaming when the camera is focussed on them.'' The court also noted '' at our request Dr Rajeev Dhawan, senior advocate present in the court has agreed to assist this court as an amicus curiae. Dr Dhawan may ask the TV channels concerned to provide the footage of the telecast to the police authorities as also to him so that appropriate orders can be passed in the matter.

Dr Dhawan submitted that even if there may be a right to protest in some cases, that does not give licence to any body to destroy properties and/or indulge in acts of vandalism.'' The court has fixed June 18 as the next date of hearing.

The protestors had not only damaged the properties but also disrupted public road and railway transport due to which thousands of passengers got stranded at railway stations and bus stands and virtually held at ransom.

The court wanted to know how a person who is seriously ill can be denied medical attention due to such agitation and road blockades.

The Gujjars had called off their agitation only yesterday following assurance by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje that a commission will be appointed under retired High Court judge to look into the matter and submit its report within three months.

Gujjars are demanding ST status like Meenas in Rajasthan.

UNI