High Court Orders Demolition of Illegal Structures in Bahraich, Kannauj, and Fatehpur

The Bahraich district administration demolished 23 illegal structures in Kaiserganj village on Wednesday. This action followed a high court order, despite protests from residents. Similar demolitions occurred in Kannauj and Fatehpur districts, according to officials. Villagers in Kaiserganj claimed that many affected homes belonged to minority community members who had lived there for generations.

In Kaiserganj, some of the demolished buildings were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with shops at the front, locals reported. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alok Prasad stated that the demolitions took place in Wazirganj Bazar of Sarai Jagna gram panchayat, Kaiserganj tehsil. The high court ordered the removal of illegal structures on plot numbers 211, 212, and 92, which included a government barn and road.

Illegal Structures and Court Orders

The high court's directive came after a public interest litigation filed by a local named Hadisul. The court instructed occupants to vacate the land. Notices were issued by the administration, and most residents left their properties voluntarily, according to the SDM. The total of 23 structures included 11 shops, eight houses, and four tin sheds.

In Kannauj district, unauthorized structures at Umarda Primary School were also demolished. This action followed a complaint from a school teacher about pillars being built for a religious site on approximately 70 square metres of school land by the village head. SDM Tirva Ashok Kumar confirmed this information.

Encroachments in Fatehpur District

Fatehpur district authorities began removing encroachments along a 7.3-kilometer road stretch from Bandhwa to Chilla Bridge. PWD officer Anil Kumar Gupta stated that 137 structures were marked for removal based on previous measurements. While some encroachers removed their constructions voluntarily, authorities demolished 24 structures.

Minor disputes arose between officials and locals during the operation, but three bulldozers successfully cleared the encroachments. Gupta mentioned that drainage system improvements would accompany road construction since many houses caused waterlogging issues. Residents were given one month to vacate a mosque for further road widening.

Supreme Court's Stance on Unauthorized Constructions

The Supreme Court's September 2 order questioned demolishing houses just because someone is accused of wrongdoing. However, it clarified that it would not protect unauthorized constructions or encroachments on public spaces. "We are not going to protect any unauthorised construction or encroachment on public roads. Not even the temples on public roads," it stated.

The remaining residents in Fatehpur have been given a month to clear their encroachments before further action is taken. This aligns with the Supreme Court's stance against unauthorized constructions on public roads and spaces.