The Supreme Court today pulled up states and Union Territories for their failure to comply with its directions to file affidavits spelling out steps they have taken for removal of illegal religious structures from public roads and pavements. The apex court gave them a final chance with a direction to file the affidavit within two weeks. A bench comprising Justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra posted the matter for hearing in the second week of May.
The apex court was hearing the petition filed in 2006 in which directions were passed earlier to the states to remove unauthorised constructions, including places of worships, from roads and public places.
On March 8, the court received a contempt petition against Chhattisgarh government after which it had asked the state to ascertain the factual position on the basis of the allegations made in the contempt petition. Other states’ counsel were also directed to take necessary instructions with regard to the compliance of its interim orders.