Supreme Court to Issue Nationwide Guidelines on Property Demolitions

The Supreme Court of India is set to outline guidelines concerning the demolition of properties, which will be applicable nationwide and not directed at any particular community. The court emphasized secular principles and clarified that being accused or convicted of a crime cannot be grounds for property demolition. The guidelines won't support unauthorized constructions on public lands.

The Supreme Court of India announced on Tuesday that it will establish guidelines regarding the demolition of properties applicable to all citizens, not targeting any specific community.

The court emphasized that these directions are for the entire country, ensuring that merely being an accused or even a convict does not justify property demolition.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan underscored India's secularism and stressed that no special laws would exist for any particular religion. However, unauthorized constructions on public roads, government lands, or forests would not be protected.

The Supreme Court reassured that its orders would not shield those encroaching on public places. The hearing on this matter is ongoing.

Currently, the court is reviewing multiple pleas alleging illegal property demolitions in various states, including for those accused of crimes.

Previously, on September 17, the apex court ordered a halt on any property demolitions, even for the accused, until October 1 without its explicit permission. One instance of illegal demolition, the court noted, would violate the Constitution's ethos.

The Supreme Court clarified that its directive does not apply to unauthorized structures in public areas or to demolitions ordered by a court of law.

(With inputs from agencies.)