New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for demolishing houses in Prayagraj within 24 hours of serving notices, stating that the act “shocked the conscience of the court.” The bench hinted that affected owners might be allowed to rebuild their homes, pending the outcome of their legal challenge.
The case pertains to the demolition of homes belonging to a lawyer, a professor, and others in 2021. A bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and N Kotishwar Singh questioned the legality of the rapid demolitions, calling it an example of the state’s excessive force. “It shocks the conscience of the court the manner in which within 24 hours of the notice it was done,” the bench observed.
However, the Uttar Pradesh government contested the petitioners’ claims, arguing that adequate time had been given to respond. Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the state, stated that the first notice was issued on December 8, 2020, followed by additional notices in January and March 2021. The petitioners, however, asserted that the final notice was issued on March 1, 2021, served on March 6, and demolitions were carried out the very next day, on March 7.
The court criticized the method of serving notices, stating that affixation was not legally valid, and emphasized that the state must ensure due process and provide sufficient time for appeals before proceeding with demolitions. “The state must act fairly and give reasonable time for appeal before demolishing structures,” the bench remarked.
The court also addressed a viral video from Uttar Pradesh, where an eight-year-old girl was seen fleeing with her books as a bulldozer approached her home in Ambedkar Nagar. The footage sparked outrage, with opposition leaders, including former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, condemning the state government’s actions.
The Supreme Court adjourned the case after directing the petitioners to file an undertaking. The petitioners in the case include advocate Zulfiqar Haider, Professor Ali Ahmed, and three others, who had approached the Supreme Court after the Allahabad High Court dismissed their plea.
