CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat moves Supreme Court against Jahangirpuri demolition drive; terms it "communal political game plan"

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition before the Supreme Court against the demolition drive in the riot hit area of north Delhi's Jahangirpuri [Brinda Karat Petitioner v North Delhi Municipal Corporation]..The plea claimed that the actions of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and other respondents were highly illegal, inhumane and in violation of principles of natural justice, statutes and the Constitution. "The entire action is absolutely and manifestly arbitrary and in violation of Article 14, 19 and 21," the plea said. .The petition stated that the residents' only shelter and buildings for their livelihood were demolished in utter disregard to the law and the Constitution. It was stressed that the people residing and working in Jahangirpuri were generally very poor and marginalized and thus, incapable of resisting the respondents' action.Karat also contended that the demolition drive was to target Muslim community since majority of people residing and working in the area where demolitions are happening, are Muslims."It may be noted that the majority of people residing and working in this area are of Muslim community. The respondents have not touched buildings in B, H and other blocks. They are selective and discriminatory in their action," the petition said. .The plea also highlighted that the demolition drive continued for sometime on Wednesday despite the status quo order of the Supreme Court..It was also the petitioner's stand that under the guise of removing encroachment, the discriminatory and arbitrary demolition drive was being operated as a "communal political game plan"."It is most respectfully submitted that the political executive of Respondent No. 1 Municipal Corporation is maliciously indulging in a political game plan", the plea read. .The demolition action was in total violation of the principles of natural justice and statutory provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 and the Constitution. Further, the same was without following of any due process of law..It was emphasised that the residents had suffered "inexplicable hardship, trauma and loss" for which the respondents are liable and the residents must be adequately compensated..Karat, therefore, prayed for the Court to quash the letter issued by the NDMC, direct the respondents to not proceed with any action and further, grant compensation to the victims of the illegal demolition..The petition was drawn by advocate Subhash Chandran KR and filed through advocate Biju P Raman..The Supreme Court had on Wednesday ordered status quo on the demolition drive after the matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana by Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave.The matter is set to be heard today by a Bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai. .Live coverage of today's hearing can be found on the link below.