Urgent Intervention: Supreme Court Addresses Communal Clashes and Right-Wing Rallies in Haryana

An extraordinary incident unfolded in the Supreme Court, as a constitution bench dealing with the contentious Article 370 was interrupted to address an urgent petition. The petition called for a ban on rallies organized by right-wing groups, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), in the aftermath of riots in Haryana's Nuh district. The violence resulted in six deaths, including two security personnel, and widespread vandalism and arson. Journalist Shaheen Abdullah's lawyer, CU Singh, urgently sought a hearing, and Chief Justice DY Chandrachud formed a special bench to address the pressing matter.

The Unprecedented Interruption of the Constitution Bench

In an unusual move, the Supreme Court's constitution bench, handling the matter of Article 370's revocation, was interrupted to address a time-sensitive petition related to communal riots in Haryana's Nuh district. The urgency arose as journalist Shaheen Abdullah's lawyer, CU Singh, sought immediate intervention following the violence and loss of lives.

Formation of a Special Bench and Urgent Hearing

Upon approaching Justice Aniruddha Bose and Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Mr. Singh emphasized the gravity of the situation and the need for a prompt hearing. Responding swiftly, Chief Justice Chandrachud examined the case documents and formed a special bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti. The matter was listed for hearing at 2 pm on the same day.

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Supreme Court's Directives on Controlling Hate Speech and Violence

The petition sought a ban on rallies organized by Bajrang Dal and VHP, following the communal clashes in Nuh, which resulted in multiple fatalities. In response, Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SV Bhatti directed the central and state governments to take preventive measures against hate speech and violence during the rallies. The court also ordered the deployment of additional police or paramilitary forces and the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Demonstrations

The violent clashes in Nuh have led to the arrest of 116 individuals by the state government. In the wake of these events, Bajrang Dal and VHP have organized 23 demonstrations across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Supreme Court's intervention aims to curb further violence and maintain peace in the region.

The Supreme Court's exceptional decision to interrupt the constitution bench's proceedings and form a special bench underscores the urgency and significance of the petition related to the communal violence in Nuh. The court's directives to prevent hate speech and violence during the rallies organized by Bajrang Dal and VHP seek to restore peace and prevent further loss of life. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for the authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to ensure the safety and harmony of the affected region.