The Supreme Court on Thursday (December 4, 2025) declined to stay the demolition of the houses of two Bareilly residents who alleged that State authorities had embarked on a “targeted” demolition drive in the aftermath of the violent clashes that erupted on September 26 after Islamic cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan called for a sit-in protest over alleged derogatory remarks against the Prophet in relation to the “I Love Muhammad” posters.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a writ petition filed under Article 32 by the two residents, who contended that their homes and an adjoining banquet hall were being razed without any notice and in complete disregard of due process.
Allahabad High Court refuses to quash FIR against accused in Bareilly violence case
Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Rauf Rahim submitted that the conduct of the authorities was in the teeth of the apex court’s November 13, 2024 ruling, which laid down pan-India guidelines mandating a prior show-cause notice and a minimum 15-day response period before any demolition.
“This is contempt in the face of the court’s order. One of the petitioners is a 70-year-old man who recently underwent cardiac surgery… the authorities have already demolished a part of his house,” he said.
