Supreme Court Puts Brakes on Yogi Govt's Bulldozer Policy, Orders Rehabilitation of Affected Families

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) :  In a significant setback to the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the demolition of homes and businesses in the state, citing concerns over the lack of rehabilitation measures for affected families. The court's order comes in response to a petition filed by a group of residents from Kanpur, whose homes were demolished by the state authorities as part of the government's anti-encroachment drive.

"REHABILITATION IS A MUST" - SUPREME COURT

A bench of justices, led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, observed that while the state government has the authority to remove encroachments, it is equally important to provide rehabilitation to those affected. "We cannot allow people to be left on the streets," Justice Chandrachud said. "Rehabilitation is a must. You (state government) cannot just demolish homes without providing alternative accommodation."

YOGI GOVT'S BULLDOZER POLICY UNDER SCANNER

The Yogi Adityanath government has been facing criticism for its bulldozer policy, which has been used to demolish homes and businesses of alleged criminals and encroachers. While the government claims that the policy is aimed at maintaining law and order, opposition parties and human rights groups have accused the government of using it as a tool to target certain communities.

PETITIONERS WELCOME SUPREME COURT'S ORDER

The petitioners, who had challenged the demolition of their homes, welcomed the Supreme Court's order, saying that it is a victory for the rights of the marginalized. "We are grateful to the Supreme Court for recognizing our rights," said one of the petitioners. "We hope that the state government will now take steps to provide us with alternative accommodation."

STATE GOVERNMENT TO FILE RESPONSE

The Uttar Pradesh government has been directed to file a response to the petitioners' allegations within two weeks. The court has also asked the state government to provide details of the rehabilitation measures it plans to undertake for the affected families.