The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the necessity of adhering to legal guidelines before initiating demolition drives involving bulldozers. In a recent hearing, the court criticized authorities for bypassing standard procedures and emphasized the requirement of a 15-day notice to affected individuals.
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, stated that such actions should align with the rule of law, ensuring fairness and transparency. The directive comes amidst growing concerns over misuse of demolition drives, often targeting marginalized communities.
The court clarified that while municipalities and urban bodies have the authority to remove illegal structures, their actions must be proportionate and justified. The bench warned against using demolition as a punitive measure without due process.
Activists welcomed the judgment, highlighting its significance in protecting citizens’ rights. Legal experts believe the ruling will strengthen accountability and prevent arbitrary actions. Authorities have been instructed to provide detailed compliance reports for ongoing demolitions.
