'How can houses be demolished without following due process?" SC asks states

The court's remarks come amidst a growing trend in several states where authorities have used bulldozers to raze properties allegedly linked to criminal offenders

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In a significant move, the Supreme Court on Monday questioned the practice of demolishing houses of individuals accused of criminal activities, with the Apex Court indicating that it will soon lay down guidelines to regulate such actions across the country. The court's remarks come amidst a growing trend in several states where authorities have used bulldozers to raze properties allegedly linked to criminal offenders.

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan raised serious concerns over the legality and ethics of such demolitions. "How can anybody's house be demolished only because he is an accused? Even if he is a convict, still it can't be done without following the procedure as prescribed by law," the bench observed during the hearing.

The court's remarks underscore a broader legal and human rights issue, where state administrations have been accused of using demolition as a punitive measure without adhering to due process. However, the bench also made it clear that it will not protect unauthorised constructions or encroachments, especially those on public roads. "We are not going to protect any unauthorised construction or encroachment in public roads. Not even the temples on public roads," the court said.