The Supreme Court recently reminded us how important it is to follow the law when it comes to destroying buildings that are not allowed. A two-judge team was shocked about how some houses in Prayagraj were knocked down just one day after the residents were told their homes were on land wrongly connected to a criminal named Atiq Ahmed.
Last year, the Supreme Court noticed that many people were complaining about the government destroying buildings without proper reasons. They set clear rules for local governments to follow. The Court made it clear that taking away someone’s home without a fair process hurts justice and people’s right to have a place to live. This is especially wrong because it punishes not just the person accused of a crime but also their entire family.
Now, local authorities need to give a notice to the accused, allowing them 15 days to explain why their building shouldn’t be destroyed. If they ignore these guidelines, it is considered disrespecting the court.
Some local governments, though, have been ignoring these orders. Recently, the Supreme Court sent a warning to the Malvan municipal council in Maharashtra for tearing down a shop and home belonging to someone accused of shouting anti-India slogans during a cricket match. In Nagpur, a person’s home was demolished even though a higher court had temporarily stopped it because they were accused of starting a riot.
These demolitions often seem to be punishments supported by local leaders and are mostly targeting people from minority communities. When top officials support such actions, local workers feel they can break the law without consequences. Everyone must remember that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty.
To change this, leaders must stop supporting actions that hurt people and clearly state that following the law and proper processes is very important. The Constitution, not a bulldozer, should guide our government.
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