SC terms bulldozing of 6 houses in U.P. unlawful, Pg 4

Key Highlights

Supreme Court Ruling

• SC ruled the 2021 demolition of six houses in Prayagraj by the development authority as "inhumane and illegal".

• Ordered ₹10 lakh compensation per house for violating the fundamental right to shelter.

• The court emphasized that ‘rule of law still exists’ and must not be bypassed.

Violation of Due Process

• Authorities issued show-cause notices and demolition orders on the same day (Dec 18, 2020), violating due process.

• Homes were demolished without giving time to appeal.

• Justice Oka stressed that right to shelter and fair hearing are integral to Article 21.

Political & Social Reaction

• Opposition parties, including SP and Congress, criticized the act as "bulldozer justice" and a violation of dignity.

• Emotional trauma of victims highlighted; damage to sentiments and social security cited.

Analysis & Way Forward

• The judgment reinforces that executive actions must comply with constitutional safeguards.

• Urgent need to regulate demolition protocols and ensure legal remedies are accessible before state action.

• Authorities must uphold procedural fairness and human dignity in all eviction or demolition drives.

Mains Mock Question:

"How does the Supreme Court's intervention in cases of illegal demolitions uphold constitutional morality and the rule of law? Examine with reference to the right to shelter under Article 21."