Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Maharashtra council

The Supreme Court of India has issued a contempt notice to a municipal council in Maharashtra. The notice concerns the demolition of a shop and residence belonging to Kitabulla Hamidulla Khan, a member of a minority community. This action was taken without prior notice, which goes against the court's guidelines. Khan, who is a scrap dealer, alleges that the demolition occurred just one day after an FIR was filed against him and his family. The FIR involved allegations that they raised anti-India slogans during a cricket match between India and Pakistan on February 23. The Supreme Court's bench, led by Justices Bhushan R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, is looking for responses from Santosh Jirage, the chief officer of the Malvan municipal council. Khan's lawyer pointed out that the demolition was labeled as an "illegal structure," despite the lack of notice. In a previous ruling from November 2024, the Supreme Court established strict guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions. According to these guidelines, property owners must receive written notice at least 15 days in advance, allowing them time to respond. The notice should also specify the reasons for the demolition. Khan's case is seen as a serious violation of these guidelines, highlighting the misuse of government powers against citizens.