Supreme Court Slams UP Govt for ‘Inhuman and Illegal’ Demolitions in Prayagraj

The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the Prayagraj Development Authority for the ‘inhuman and illegal’ demolition of houses in Prayagraj. The apex court reminded the authorities that India follows the “rule of law” and that citizens' residential structures cannot be razed in such an arbitrary manner.

Right to Shelter and Due Process

Expressing shock over the demolition drive, the Supreme Court emphasized that the action violated the fundamental right to shelter. “There is something called the right to shelter and due process of law,” the bench remarked, condemning the authorities for their disregard for legal procedures. The court directed the state to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation to each affected house owner within six weeks.

Previous Warnings and Criticism

This is not the first time the top court has taken a stern stance on the matter. On March 24, the Supreme Court had similarly rebuked the Uttar Pradesh government, calling its actions “high-handed” and stating that the demolition drive had “shocked its conscience.”

Petitioners Challenge Demolition

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan is hearing a plea filed by advocate Zulfiqar Haider, Professor Ali Ahmed, and others whose houses were demolished. Their petition was previously rejected by the Allahabad High Court. The petitioners argue that they were served a notice on March 6, 2021, regarding alleged unauthorized constructions on Nazul Plot No. 19, Lukerganj, under the jurisdiction of Khuldabad police station in Prayagraj.

Mistaken Identity: Link to Atiq Ahmed?

The petitioners' counsel further claimed that the demolition was based on a mistaken belief that the land belonged to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in a police encounter in 2023. This wrongful assumption led to the illegal razing of their homes, causing severe distress to the affected families.

Compensation and Legal Ramifications

With the Supreme Court now ordering monetary compensation and upholding the citizens’ right to shelter, the Prayagraj demolitions have sparked significant legal and political debates. The ruling underscores the importance of adhering to due process and ensuring that no authority bypasses legal protocols in executing demolition drives.