[Prayagraj Demolition] "Building Was Used As 'Welfare Party Of India' Office, Had Javed's Nameplate": UP Govt Tells Allahabad HC

Defending its move to demolish the residence of Welfare Party Of India's leader Javed Pump (an accused in the Prayagraj violence case) by the district administration and Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) on June 12, the UP Government has told the Allahabad High Court that the building had Pump's nameplate and the same was being used a party's office.

This response has been filed by the State Govt pursuant to the Allahabad High Court's June 28 order wherein it had sought its reply on the plea moved by the wife of the Prayagraj Violence (June 10) accused Javed Mohammad.

In her plea, Fatima, the wife of accused Javed Mohammad, has averred that the demolished house was in her name and was gifted to her by her father and she had all the valid documents in connection with the now-demolished house, however, she has stated, that the house was demolished without giving them any notice.

UP Government's response

The State Government has submitted that Javed Mohammad was residing in the same building along with his wife and he was residing in the same house which is apparent from the nameplate affixed on the building as well as signboard of the party office, which was being run by Javed Mohammad.

"Thus, the building was not being used for residential purposes but it was the office of Welfare Party of India of which Javed Mohammad was the State Secretary which is apparent from the perusal of the signboard affixed on the building...merely by paying the house tax, water tax and electricity bill it cannot be said that the building was owned by the said person, who has paid the aforesaid tax and bills (referring to his wife). As a matter of fact, in the register of Nagar Nigam, Prayagraj the name of petitioner no.1 (Parveen Fatima) is mentioned in the column of occupier and not as the owner of the building," it has been submitted.

It has also been submitted that some complaints were made by the residents of Kareli to the Prayagraj Development Authority, Prayagraj in respect of unauthorized office use in a residential area as well as illegal construction and encroachment.

The reply also refers to a complaint made by the residents of the area in which it was stated that the construction of the building was done without a sanction map from the Development Authority and the premises was being used commercially by the 'Welfare Party of India' in contravention of land used norms.

State Government has also stated in the complaint that the people kept coming and going all the times of day and night and park their vehicles on the road creating a constant problem for the residents. A request was made in the complaint to enquire into the matter and to take necessary action.

It has further been submitted that a notice was attempted to be given to Javed Mohammad on May 10 giving him a personal hearing in connection with the unauthorized construction, his family members refused to accept the notice and therefore, a notice was pasted on the building's wall.

Lastly, stressing that the demolition process was legally undertaken, the UP Govt and PDA have defended their move to demolish the alleged illegal construction.  

About the case and Fatima's plea