SC criticises unlawful demolitions, issues guidelines for road widening projects

North News

New Delhi, November 6

The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticised  the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government’s demolition of private property without following due legal process. The Bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, called the action “high-handed” and unlawful. The Court ordered UP to pay ₹25 lakh as punitive compensation and mandated criminal proceedings against those responsible. It stressed the importance of issuing prior notices and allowing hearings in such cases to ensure legal compliance, according to media reports.

The Supreme Court raised concerns over indiscriminate demolitions, issuing clear directives for all states and Union Territories (UTs) to follow in road widening projects that may affect private properties. It mandated that authorities must provide prior notices and allow for hearings before any demolition takes place. The Court’s ruling aims to ensure that due legal processes are followed, safeguarding the rights of property owners in such cases, the news outlet The Hindustan Times reported.