Overview

• A bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran issued notices to the Assam chief secretary and Goalpara district officials with responses due in two weeks
• The contempt plea argues authorities ignored the court’s November 2024 guidelines mandating a 15-day show-cause notice and time for appeal before any demolition
• Petitioners say a June eviction in Hasilabeel village relied on just two days’ notice and proceeded without personal hearings or chance for judicial review, displacing over 667 families
• They contend the demolition drive disproportionately targeted a minority community and left similarly situated majority-community residents untouched
• The petition seeks interim relief including compensation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes and community infrastructure pending the court’s decision