Supreme Court Halts Gujarat Civic Body's Demolition Plans on Accused's Property

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a halt to the plans of a civic body in Gujarat to demolish the house of an accused individual in a criminal case. The court emphasized that alleged criminal involvement is not grounds for such action and demanded the response from the state and civic authorities within four weeks.

The Supreme Court of India ruled on Thursday that alleged involvement in a crime does not justify the demolition of properties, ordering a Gujarat civic body to maintain status quo and refrain from bulldozing the house of an accused in a criminal case.

Highlighting that such demolition threats are inconceivable in a nation governed by the rule of law, the court stated it could not ignore actions that might be perceived as unjustly 'running a bulldozer over the laws of the land.'

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and S V N Bhatti emphasized that the transgressions by a family member should not lead to action against other members or their legally-constructed residence. The bench issued a notice to the Gujarat government and the civic body of Kathlal in Kheda district, demanding a response within four weeks in a case brought by Javedali M Saiyed seeking protection from the proposed demolition.

(With inputs from agencies.)