The Supreme Court had sought a report on the relief and medical facilities being provided to the victims of the clashes. (File photo)
Supreme Court today slammed the Akhilesh Yadav government for seeking adjournment of a case relating to the relief and rehabilitation of victims of the Muzaffarnagar riots. It was scheduled for hearing tomorrow.
Seeking two weeks' time, the Uttar Pradesh government said a new set of senior lawyers will be arguing the case on behalf of the government.
"Don't take this case lightly. If you delay the case you are purchasing more problems, more petitions will be filed. Why do you want time? There is no legal issue involved, we need to examine only factual aspects," Chief Justice P. Sathasivam said.
The Supreme Court has set the date for the next hearing on February 12 and has said no further adjournment will be allowed.
Communal riots tore through Muzaffarnagar in September last year, after the murder of three young men in a village. Nearly 60 people were killed in about 20 days of violence.
As the riots spread, thousands of people fled their homes and crowded relief camps. Many have refused to return to their homes fearing more violence and have lived in tattered tents and filthy conditions.
After media reported the death of 50 children due to the cold at the poorly-maintained relief camps, the Supreme Court had ordered Uttar Pradesh government to provide material and medical help to the people. It had also sought a report on the relief and medical facilities being provided to the victims of the clashes.