The Supreme Court in the case observed wherein the plea is moved challenging the the demolition drive by railway authorities aimed at clearing encroachments in the backyard of Sri Krishna Janam Bhoomi in Mathura.
The bench comprising of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra in the case observed and has granted liberty to the petitioners to approach the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court for an urgent hearing of the matter.
The counsel, Senior Advocate Prashanto Chandra Sen, appearing for the petitioners approached the bench for urgent listing of the matter.
It has been stated by the bench of CJI that he would list the said matter before an appropriate bench on the coming Wednesday.
However, the railways authorities, in collaboration with local police and administration, had carried out an extensive demolition operation aimed at clearing alleged encroachments in the backyard of Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. Therefore, the area primarily consists of residential structures, thus, the alleged encroachments were removed as part of an initiative to convert the existing metre gauge railway track into a broad-gauge track, while facilitating a connection between Mathura and Vrindavan, stated the railways’ public relations officer, PRO.
The petitioner in the case filed the civil suit before the civil Court Senior division, Mathura seeking permanent injunction against the railway authority and in the meantime, the demolition work commenced on August 09, 2023. The same was challenged and an interim stay application was filed the very next day.
While owing to no courts in Allahabad sitting on August 14, 2023, which being pursuant to resolution passed by the Bar Council on account of shooting of an advocate, petitioners could not reach out to Allahabad courts.
It has also been alleged before the Supreme Court that taking advantage of the situation the Railway Authority had initiated the process of demolition of houses and that the petitioners in the case had no other option but to approach the Supreme Court.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on August 16, 2023.
