The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened to halt the demolition of the house belonging to Mohammad Usman, a 73-year-old contractor accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in Nainital. The court’s decision came after Usman’s wife filed a petition challenging the demolition notice issued by the Nainital Municipal Council, which had provided only a three-day notice period instead of the mandated 15 days as per Supreme Court guidelines.

During the hearing, the High Court criticized the municipal authorities for violating procedural norms and directed them to withdraw the demolition notice and issue an unconditional apology to Usman’s family. The court emphasized that such actions, especially in sensitive cases, can exacerbate communal tensions.

The alleged rape incident, which occurred on April 12, led to widespread protests and communal unrest in Nainital, including vandalism of shops and attacks on a mosque. The High Court has also directed the police to maintain law and order, prevent the spread of rumors, and ensure that such situations are handled with greater caution in the future.

Sources