This latest development stems from a broader legal struggle over land rights in Assam, particularly in the Sonapur region, where state-led demolition efforts have targeted informal settlements. The residents argue that their occupation of the land is lawful under a power of attorney agreement signed with the original landowners, many of whom are part of protected communities. They claim that no due process was followed, including the issuance of formal notices, before the demolition began.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the petitioners, presented the case to a bench led by Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan. The petitioners are seeking contempt proceedings against the local authorities for ignoring the Supreme Court's earlier interim order. That directive had mandated a halt to demolition operations across the country unless there was explicit permission from the judiciary.
The demolition in Sonapur has stirred significant controversy, not just among the residents but also within tribal and indigenous groups who claim ancestral rights to the land in question. They accuse the state government of undertaking an aggressive campaign to clear the land without adequately considering the legal status of its inhabitants. Meanwhile, government officials argue that the demolitions are necessary to reclaim land that has been illegally occupied.
The Supreme Court's involvement comes at a critical time, as land disputes in Assam have grown more contentious in the face of escalating eviction drives. Although the Assam government has defended its actions as a legitimate effort to clear illegal encroachments, critics argue that such moves disproportionately target marginalized communities, leaving many homeless and vulnerable.
In its notice, the court has requested a detailed explanation from the Assam authorities regarding the basis for the demolition and the process followed. Until a final decision is reached, the court has ordered a status quo, effectively pausing any further eviction activities in Sonapur.
This legal battle has drawn attention to the broader issue of land rights and the state's handling of evictions, particularly in areas with significant tribal populations. For many of the affected families, the power of attorney agreements they hold are their only claim to the land, and they fear that without judicial intervention, their homes and livelihoods will be destroyed.