“Power Shouldn’t Override the Law”: Supreme Court to Samajwadi Party on Eviction Dispute

NDC DESK

New Delhi — The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition filed by the Samajwadi Party (SP) challenging its eviction from a municipal property in Pilibhit, sharply criticizing the party for benefiting from an unlawful allotment during its time in power.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the arguments made by senior advocate Siddharth Dave, stating that political entities cannot misuse their influence while in government and later seek legal shelter when the tide turns.

“If a political party uses its authority to obtain government-owned property without due process, it cannot claim unfair treatment once that power is gone,” the bench remarked.

Rejecting the party’s plea for additional time to vacate the premises, the court said, “Where is your regard for the law when you’re in a position to exploit power? How else does one explain acquiring a prime municipal property for just ₹150 per month? We see no reason to interfere with the Allahabad High Court’s ruling. The public must believe that the rule of law applies uniformly — even to political parties.”

The property in question, located in the Civil Lines area near Nakatadhana square in Pilibhit, had been allocated to the Samajwadi Party in March 2005 at a nominal monthly rent. After over two decades, the local municipality issued an eviction notice on June 6. Four days later, authorities arrived with police personnel to enforce the order. However, action was paused when the local SP leadership assured that the premises would be vacated by June 16.

Despite the assurance, the municipality reiterated its demand on June 18, giving a three-day deadline. When the premises remained occupied, officials locked the building on June 23. A legal challenge filed by the party against the eviction was dismissed by the High Court on July 2.