SC Criticizes UP Government’s Bulldozer Actions, Orders Compensation For Illegal Demolition

The Supreme Court expressed disapproval over the Uttar Pradesh government’s bulldozer actions, calling officials “oppressive” for demolishing homes without due process. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra, questioned the sudden demolitions. The court told the UP government’s lawyer, “You cannot demolish a house overnight. This is anarchy.”

The court ordered the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to investigate these demolitions. It directed the government to compensate the petitioner with Rs 25 lakh. The bench noted that no notice was given before the demolitions, only an announcement through loudspeakers at the site.

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Court Questions Lack of Due Process

The court pointed to an affidavit showing that officials did not follow procedure. “How can you demolish people’s houses like this?” the bench asked, calling the actions “completely arbitrary.” The court criticized the UP government for its disregard of proper process in demolishing homes.

Compensation and Guidelines on Bulldozer Actions Await Decision

The case stems from a 2020 hearing initiated by the court after a complaint from Manoj Tibrewal Akash, whose house in Maharajganj was demolished in 2019. The court reserved its decision on setting guidelines for such bulldozer actions, aiming to prevent further arbitrary demolitions.

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