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The Supreme Court on Tuesday sharply criticized an Andhra Pradesh official for defying a 2013 Andhra Pradesh High Court order that prohibited the demolition of slums in Hyderabad. The court questioned the use of police to violate a judicial directive, calling it a blatant act of contempt.
“You took 80 policemen with you to violate court orders? You deliberately disobeyed court orders?” Justice BR Gavai asked sternly during the hearing. Justice Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice of India, was part of the bench overseeing the case.
The officer in question, who led the demolition, is currently in jail facing contempt of court charges. He approached the Supreme Court seeking relief and citing personal reasons, including the risk of losing his job if he remained in custody for over 48 hours.
His lawyer argued that the incident occurred during a politically volatile time—the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh—and that the officer had since been promoted to the role of protocol director. The court, however, was unsympathetic.
“Did he think about the children whose homes he demolished?” the bench questioned. “So now his job is to welcome VIPs and clear roads by demolishing slums? He should stay in jail and enjoy state hospitality.”
Justice Gavai emphasized that no one is above the judiciary. “If someone plays with the dignity of the High Court, we will immediately arrest that person. No concessions for those who do not respect the law.”
Despite the strong words, the court agreed to hear the petition, but its firm stance signaled a clear message: judicial orders must be respected, regardless of one’s position or circumstances.
The hearing comes amid broader tensions between the judiciary and members of the ruling party. The Supreme Court has recently faced criticism from BJP leaders after a landmark judgment that limited the President and Governors’ ability to indefinitely delay bills passed by state legislatures.
The ruling party’s MP Nishikant Dubey and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar publicly criticized the court for overstepping its bounds. Mr. Dubey went as far as to suggest that if the court continued making such decisions, Parliament might as well be shut down. Vice President Dhankhar echoed similar sentiments, questioning the judiciary’s use of Article 142.
Despite these remarks, the BJP leadership has officially distanced itself from the statements, calling them personal views that do not reflect the party’s stance.
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