Why is it in the news?
Allahabad High Court raised constitutional concerns over punitive demolitions in Uttar Pradesh.
The Supreme Court declared punitive demolitions unconstitutional and mandated due process safeguards.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● Refers to extrajudicial demolition of properties linked to accused persons
● Violates sequence of Allegation–Investigation–Adjudication–Punishment
● Implicates Articles 14, 21, and 300A of the Constitution
● Article 21 includes right to dignified shelter (Olga Tellis, 1985)
● Maneka Gandhi (1978) established procedure must be just, fair and reasonable
● SC (Nov 2024) invoked Article 142 to issue pan-India demolition guidelines
● Mandatory 15-day prior written notice via registered post
● Right to personal hearing and reasoned written order required
● Demolition proceedings must be video recorded
● Officials violating guidelines face contempt and personal liability