Bahraich Violence: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to halt bulldozer action against Bahraich violence accused till tomorrow, unless the state wants to "risk flouting" court order. Complying to the SC directive, the authorities will not act against those charged with rioting in Bahraich till Wednesday, October 23. The Supreme Court also agreed to hear on Wednesday pleas filed by three persons accused in the communal violence incident that took place in Bahraich earlier this month.

The accused moved the apex court against demolition notices issued by the Uttar Pradesh government. Representing the petitioners, senior advocate C U Singh submitted, "This is an application by three persons who are recipients of demolition notices. The state government has given only three days to respond to the notices."

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Singh said the demolition notices were purportedly issued on October 17 and pasted on the evening of October 18. He also informed the court that petitioner No.1's father and brothers have surrendered.

On behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj made a submission before a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan. The Uttar Pradesh government told the court that the Allahabad High Court has put a pause on bulldozer action an given the accused 15 days' time to respond to the demolition notices. The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on Sunday granted a 15-day extension to those accused of 'unauthorised' constructions along the Kundasar-Mahasi-Nanpara-Maharajganj road in Bahraich.

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The bench responded to the state saying, "If they (UP govt) want to take risk of flouting our order, it's their choice."

The petitioners' counsel said that the high court had not granted any protection. In response, the Supreme Court orally instructed the ASG to refrain from taking any action until Wednesday and scheduled the next hearing.

What Happened In Bahraich

Bahraich witnessed communal violence on October 13 as groups of two religious communities clashed with each other over loud music being played by a Durga idol procession outside a place of worship. A 22-year-old man, Ram Gopal Mishra, was killed as he suffered gunshot injuries.

The violence, sparked in Maharajganj area of Bahraich, led to arson and vandalism as shops, vehicles and a private hospital were set on fire. The government responded with increased deployment of security personnel and internet suspension for four days.