The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up certain states and union territories for their failure to comply with its directions to file affidavits spelling out the steps they have taken for the removal of illegal religious structures from public roads and pavements.
The apex court gave the said states and union territories a final chance with a direction to file the affidavit within two weeks, failing which the Chief Secretaries of the concerned states will have to be present personally to explain the non-compliance of the directions.
A bench of judges comprising Justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra posted the matter to the second week of May, observing “we don’t appreciate this type of attitude.”
The bench which was about to pass an order for summoning the Chief Secretaries at the first instance, modified its decision after a plea was made by some lawyers appearing for the various states.
The apex court was hearing the petition that was 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.
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