In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the Prayagraj Development Authority for their “inhuman and illegal” demolition of homes in Prayagraj, terming the actions as “high handed” and a violation of the rule of law. Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, presiding over the case, expressed deep concern over the disregard for citizens’ rights and due process.
The bench was particularly struck by the manner in which the demolitions were conducted, stating, “This shocks our conscience. There is something called right to shelter, due process of law.” In light of these observations, the Supreme Court directed the responsible authority to compensate the affected homeowners with Rs 10 lakh each within six weeks.
The controversy centers on a series of demolitions carried out by the state authorities, which were initially believed to be targeting properties associated with the late gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed. Ahmed, who had a notorious reputation, was killed in a police encounter in 2023. The state government’s actions were purportedly aimed at dismantling his alleged illegal constructions.
However, the petitioners, including advocate Zulfiqar Haider and professor Ali Ahmed, argued that their homes were wrongfully demolished in the process, despite not being linked to any criminal activities. They contended that the demolitions were carried out without proper legal sanction, a claim initially dismissed by the Allahabad High Court.
The Supreme Court’s rebuke follows a previous admonition where it criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for sending a “shocking and wrong signal” by proceeding with the demolitions without following due legal procedures. This latest judgment reinforces the apex court’s stance on safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights and upholding the rule of law against arbitrary state actions.
