Will lay down guidelines for all citizens: SC on demolition of properties

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court announced its intention to establish nationwide guidelines regarding the demolition of properties, reserving its judgment on petitions claiming that properties of individuals accused of crimes are being demolished in various states.

The court clarified that its directives would apply to all citizens and emphasised that being an accused or convicted individual cannot justify property demolition.

“We are a secular nation, and our guidelines will be for all citizens and institutions, not for any specific community,” stated Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan. They noted that there cannot be distinct laws based on religion and reiterated that they will not condone unauthorised constructions on public roads, government lands, or forests.

“We will ensure that our ruling does not assist encroachers on public spaces,” the bench added before concluding the hearing.

Following the bench’s decision to reserve its judgment, a lawyer representing the petitioners referenced a previous order from September 17, which prohibited demolitions, including those involving accused individuals, without the court’s permission until October 1. The bench indicated that this interim order would remain in place until the matter is resolved.

The court previously stated that any illegal demolition undermines the principles of the Constitution and clarified that its order would not apply to unauthorised structures on public property or cases with existing court demolition orders.