National

“Why Is CPM Filing Case?”: SC Refuses To Intervene In Shaheen Bagh Anti-Encroachment Drive, Asks To Approach HC

Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday, refused to intervene in the Shaheen Bagh anti-encroachment drive. This comes hours after bulldozers rolled in and out of the region, amid protests by hundreds of locals.

The bench addressed the petitioner’s council. The bench questioned that why a political party had approached the Supreme Court and the locals who are directly affected by the BJP-ruled South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s demolition drive.

The bench questioned, “What is this CPI(M) party filing this case? We can understand if the affected person came here. What fundamental right of a party that is violated? Is there no individual who is affected?” 

Senior advocate P Surendranath, is appearing for the petitioners. He told the court that the Hawkers Union was also a plaintiff. The court stated that hawkers can be removed if they are found violating the rules.

“Hawkers are persons who sell on the roads. In Jahangirpuri, we had to intervene because there was demolition of buildings. How are hawkers affected? Hawkers are those who sit on platforms. The residents or shopkeepers should come,” the bench reiterated.

The top court also attacked over civic body. It demanded that why it doesn’t undertake anti-encroachment exercises without prior notice and in accordance with the law.

“We are not interfering but when you undertake these activities why don’t you do it as per law? Why don’t you issue notice to them? We are telling you don’t demolish any structures without notice,” the court said.

It refused to entertain the petitions and directed the affected parties to approach the Delhi High Court.

Bulldozers and JCBs reached Shaheen Bagh on Monday. The region witnessed a high voltage drama. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation pushed ahead with its anti-encroachment drive in the locality. The region was the hotbed of the anti-CAA stir a few years ago. Apart from residents and heavy deployment of police force, Congress workers were also present at the spot. They were protesting against the anti-encroachment drive by sitting on dharna and blocking the way of bulldozers and JCBs. Many locals followed them.

According to India Today report, residents of Shaheen Bagh claimed there was no illegal encroachment on public land. Wazib, a councillor who denied any encroachment on road number 13, said, “It is a CPWD road. MCD has nothing to do with it. People have left space in front of their roads.”

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International

Sri Lanka: Amid Economic Crisis, PM Mahinda Rajapaksa Resigns

Aleesha Sam

New Delhi: As widespread protests escalate, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa announced his resignation on Monday, paving the way for a new administration in the crisis-torn country.

This comes days after President Gotbaya Rajapaksa demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation at a special meeting on Friday as a solution to the country’s ongoing political crisis, according to Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror.

President Rajapaksa is anticipated to call all political parties in Parliament to create an all-party Cabinet now that the Prime Minister has resigned.

Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has previously stated that he would not take the job of Prime Minister in an interim government.

Protesters conducted a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s official residence, Temple Trees, on Monday morning, demanding Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa not to quit.

They battled with anti-government protestors near the Temple Trees after their meeting with the prime minister. At least 16 persons have been brought to the Colombo National Hospital with injuries.

He resigned shortly after sending out a tweet encouraging the general people to be cautious.

“While emotions are running high in #lka, I urge our general public to exercise restraint & remember that violence only begets violence. The economic crisis we’re in needs an economic solution which this administration is committed to resolving,” Mahinda said in a tweet.

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara responded to Mahinda’s tweet by saying, “The only violence was caused by your’supporters’ – goons and thugs who arrived to your office first before assaulting the peaceful protestors.”

Sri Lanka has been in an economic crisis for weeks as a result of a foreign exchange shortfall, which has resulted in a shortage of vital goods such as fuel, food, and medications.

Protests have been ongoing for days calling on the government and lawmakers to find urgent solutions.

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