Today, On 1st April, The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the “inhuman” demolition of houses. The court reminded the state of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process. It stressed that administrative actions must be fair and legal, protecting citizens’ rights. The remarks highlight growing judicial scrutiny over demolition drives in the state.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the Prayagraj development authority for the “inhuman and illegal” demolition of houses, reminding them that there is a “rule of law in the country.”
The Court emphasized that residential structures cannot be demolished in such a manner.
The Supreme Court described the Prayagraj demolition as one that “shocks” its conscience, stating,
“There is something called right to shelter, due process of law.”
The bench, comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, stated,
“This shocks our conscience. There is something called right to shelter, due process of law,”
Similar sentiments were expressed on March 24, when the Court condemned the Uttar Pradesh government’s “high-handed” actions in Prayagraj, which it found deeply troubling.
A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan is currently reviewing a plea from advocate Zulfiqar Haider, professor Ali Ahmed, and others whose homes were demolished. The Allahabad High Court had previously dismissed their challenge against the demolitions.
Justice Oka remarked,
“This affixing business must be stopped. They have lost their houses because of this… And fix compensation of Rs.10 lakh in each case. That is the only way to do this. So that this authority will always remember to follow due process,”
The Court stated in its order,
“These cases shock our conscience. Residential premises of the appellants have been high handedly demolished in a matter which we have discussed in detail,”
It noted that those whose homes were demolished were not given a “reasonable opportunity” to respond to the notice.
The Court emphasized that the authorities, particularly the development authority, must recognize that the right to shelter is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, adding,
“Carrying out demolition in such a manner shows insensitivity on the part of the statutory development authority.”
The petitioners claimed they received notice on March 6, 2021, regarding certain constructions on a portion of Nazul Plot No. 19, Lukerganj, located in the Khuldabad police station area of Prayagraj district.
The petitioners’ counsel argued that the state government mistakenly demolished the homes under the impression that the land belonged to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in a police encounter in 2023.
The Uttar Pradesh government has come under intense scrutiny for demolishing residential properties without following proper legal procedures, prompting several interventions from the Supreme Court.
In March 2025, the Supreme Court criticized the rapid demolition of five homes in Prayagraj, noting that residents were given notices only a day before the demolitions occurred, which left them insufficient time to respond.
The Court asserted that such actions contravene the principles of natural justice and due process.
In a similar instance in November 2024, the Supreme Court admonished Uttar Pradesh officials for demolishing a house in Maharajganj district as part of a road-widening project, again without adhering to due process.
The Court ruled the demolition as illegal and ordered the state to provide Rs.25 lakh in compensation to the homeowner affected by the action.
Case Title: Zulfiquar Haider & Anr. vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors
Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 6466/2021