New Delhi, June 2: The Supreme Court on Monday did not pass any interim orders on staying the proposed demolitions in the national capital’s Batla House.

A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma told the residents, who had received 15-day eviction notices and apprehended imminent demolition, that they are free to avail remedies available under the law.

The Justice Karol-led Bench directed that the matter be listed before the regular Bench for hearing in July.

The litigants claimed that they were “genuine residents” and “property owners” of Khasra Nos. 271 and 279 in Batla House. They stated that their homes fall within the area now sought to be demolished on the purported ground of being outside the PM-UDAY Scheme coverage, despite having valid title documents, proof of continuous possession since before 2014, and eligibility under the Recognition of Property Rights Act, 2019.

Any blanket demolition drive initiated without affording affected residents an adequate and meaningful opportunity of being heard would amount to a gross infraction of the principles of natural justice and a direct violation of fundamental rights enshrined under the Constitution of India, said the plea filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed.

Underscoring the need for a fair, humane, and judicious approach before any coercive action is undertaken, the plea stated that applicants have been residing peacefully in the area in question for several decades, forming a stable and law-abiding community.

It added that the 15-day eviction notices were mechanically applied to residents and properties which are neither part of Khasra No. 271 nor identified in any report as being outside the scope of regularisation.

In spite of their legitimate claims, these residents have been denied an opportunity to be heard, and are now at imminent risk of displacement, said the application filed before the top court.

Mumbai: In a separate incident, a 15-year-old boy has been detained for allegedly murdering his co-worker, 22-year-old Kaisar Azgar Ali, in Bhiwandi. The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 28, in the night at a worksite in Mankoli village, where both were employed as carpenters.

According to police, a minor argument escalated into a violent attack. The minor allegedly first struck Ali with a hammer, then used a plywood grinder to fatally injure him, slitting his neck and shoulder. Investigating Officer D.K. Kadam stated that the minor had been upset with Ali’s behaviour at the site and the situation turned violent after Ali allegedly struck him during the altercation.

The minor fled the scene, but police were alerted by the house owner and contractor who discovered the crime. A panchnama was conducted and the boy was located, detained and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. He was remanded to an observation home. Ali was rushed to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Thane: A 24-year-old man, Vikrant Jadhav, was brutally attacked with a sword in Umbarde, Kalyan West on Sunday. The assault is believed to be the result of an ongoing land dispute. According to reports citing police sources, Jadhav was fetching water when he was ambushed and attacked. He is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries at Rukminibai Hospital in Kalyan.

The victim’s father, Vijay Jadhav, has accused members of the neighbouring Gaikwad family of orchestrating the attack. The two families have reportedly been at loggerheads for years over property issues. Vijay had previously filed a police complaint against the Gaikwads, alleging that they had threatened to kill his family if he did not halt construction of a toilet adjacent to their home, reported Hindustan Times.

The Khadakpada police have registered a case under Section 118 (causing hurt with dangerous weapons) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are currently investigating the matter. Efforts are underway to identify all the assailants and verify the allegations of prior threats and extortion.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will convene a high-level law and order meeting ahead of Eid al-Adha at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, according to sources from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The meeting, scheduled for Monday evening, aims to maintain law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, on the controversy surrounding animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan emphasised the importance of adhering to Islamic principles and local laws to maintain communal harmony.

Pyare Khan said, “… We should follow the concept of Hazrat Ibrahim Ali Salam. No one should suffer from our sacrifice. This is the concept of Islam, whatever we do should not hurt anyone else… We will direct the administration that if anyone has no problem, then it should be done… Nothing should be done to harm mutual brotherhood… You should follow the rules of the country where you live… In Maharashtra, there is a ban on bovine meat, so the sacrifice of a bovine should not be done… Camels and goats are sacrificed in different countries… We have to make sure that the sacrifices of only those animals are made, which are allowed…”

Eid Al-Adha, or Bakra Eid, is a holy occasion called the ‘festival of sacrifice’ and is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid al-Adha or Bakra Eid is expected on 6th June in most Islamic countries this year.

The festival is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges, and make meaningful connections with one another. It commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

According to the Quran, Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son when a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to make something else as a ‘great sacrifice’. In the Old Testament, a ram is sacrificed instead of the son. To mark this occasion, Muslims re-enact Ibrahim’s obedience with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb, goat, cow, camel, or another animal that is then divided into threes to be shared equally among family, friends, and the needy.

Around the world, Eid traditions and festivities vary, and many countries have unique cultural approaches to this important festival.