Uttarakhand High Court Raps Authorities Over Demolition Notice in Rape Case, Cites Contempt of Supreme Court Orders

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Nainital: In a strong rebuke to local authorities, the Uttarakhand High Court has come down heavily on the Nainital administration for serving a demolition notice on the residence of a rape accused, warning that the move could amount to contempt of the Supreme Court.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the accused’s wife, a senior citizen, who challenged the legality of the demolition notice. She contended that the notice was arbitrary, unjust, and in clear violation of established legal principles, including the right to property and due process.

The High Court questioned the motive behind targeting the property of an accused before the completion of trial and took serious note of the administration’s failure to ensure that the law was upheld during public unrest related to the case.

In sharp remarks, the bench demanded immediate responses from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the concerned municipal officer, asking them to explain their actions and inaction during the incident. The Court also expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of “mob-driven justice” and called for strict accountability from the officials involved.

“The rule of law cannot be held hostage to public anger or media trials. Administrative decisions must be rooted in legality, not vengeance,” observed the Court.

Citing previous Supreme Court orders, the Uttarakhand High Court reminded state authorities that any punitive action against accused persons must follow due legal procedures, and not be used as a tool for appeasing public sentiment.

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