The Deputy Commissioner of Nuh district in Haryana, Dhirendra Khadgata, has refuted allegations of religious discrimination and a biased approach in a recent demolition drive in the region. In an affidavit submitted on August 17, Khadgata stated that the operation, which took place in Nuh—a locality with a predominantly Muslim population—affected a total of 354 individuals, comprising 71 Hindus and 283 Muslims. Of the 38 shops demolished, 55 percent were owned by Hindus, while 45 percent belonged to minorities.

The affidavit was filed in response to an ongoing suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petition in the High Court, triggered by communal clashes in the area that led to the demolitions. Various news reports had alleged that the demolition drive disproportionately targeted the Muslim community. The High Court had taken notice of the incident on August 7 and expressed concerns about potential ethnic cleansing based on the targeted demolition of buildings owned by a specific community.

In response, the High Court temporarily halted the demolition drive on August 7, expressing concern over the absence of proper demolition orders and notices for buildings in both Nuh and Gurugram. The State of Haryana was directed to provide an affidavit detailing the number of demolitions carried out in the past two weeks in both areas, along with information about any prior notices issued.

In the affidavit, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the State government's data collection on encroachments does not factor in caste, creed, or religion. He reiterated that the recent demolitions were standard actions executed by local authorities against illegal structures, following due legal procedures.

The Deputy Commissioner clarified that the demolitions were executed at 38 locations by the District Town and Country Planner of Nuh, adhering to proper procedures. The Department of Town & Country Planning had identified unauthorized constructions, including shops, mosques, and foundations of structures, and had issued show cause notices regarding these on February 25, 2021. Despite being afforded a personal hearing on March 3, 2021, the encroachers neither attended nor provided written responses.

Subsequently, on August 9, a plea was submitted to the Supreme Court seeking action against calls to boycott and alienate Muslims in the aftermath of violence in Nuh. The Supreme Court responded by deeming such calls unacceptable, highlighting its concern over the mistreatment of the Muslim community following the recent outbreak of violence in the region.