Anti-Encroachment Drive Turns Violent in Uttarakhand

• 12 Feb 2024

Why in News?

A violent clash erupted between police and locals in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura area of Uttarakhand, when a team of district administration officials attempted to demolish an ‘illegal madrasa’ in the area.

• Shoot-at-sight orders were issued and curfew was imposed in the town.

Key Points

• According to the officials, following court’s orders, a team from the district administration had gone to conduct an anti-encroachment drive in the area.
  • This is when some miscreants entered into a brawl with the police which left several policemen and officials injured.
• Banbhoolpura is the same locality where hundreds of Muslim families are living in a 2 km stretch along the railway track, facing an uncertain future after the Railways served eviction notices to them, citing that their homes were built on its land.
• The residents, after weeks of protest against eviction ordered by the Uttarakhand High Court, later moved the Supreme Court and the matter is sub-judice.

Sub Judice

• Sub-judice is a Latin term that means “under judgment” or “under consideration by a court of law.”
• In legal contexts, it refers to a case or matter that is currently pending before a court and is therefore not available for public discussion or comment.
• The purpose of the sub judice rule is to ensure that the trial or hearing is fair and impartial, and that the parties involved are not prejudiced by outside influences.