Supreme Court Allows Reconstruction of Illegally Demolished Houses
Last Updated on March 25, 2025 by Athi Venkatesh
Supreme Court Orders Reconstruction of Demolished Houses in Prayagraj
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of five petitioners, including a lawyer and a professor, whose houses were demolished by Uttar Pradesh authorities without due process. The Court condemned the State’s actions and allowed reconstruction at the petitioners’ own cost.
The petitioners argued that their homes were demolished within 24 hours of receiving notices, leaving them no opportunity to appeal. The State linked their land to a gangster and claimed due process was followed.Under the UP Urban Planning and Development Act, Section 27(2), property owners must receive proper notice and an opportunity to challenge demolition orders before action is taken.
The Supreme Court found that authorities violated legal procedures. Justice Oka highlighted that notices were improperly served and criticized the demolition’s rapid execution. The Court ruled that petitioners could rebuild, provided they filed appeals within the given timeframe and bore all costs. If their appeals failed, they would need to demolish the structures themselves.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of fair legal procedures and adjourned the matter for further hearing. The ruling serves as a warning against unlawful state actions and protects citizens’ rights against arbitrary demolitions.
