​On April 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the Prayagraj Development Authority in Uttar Pradesh to pay Rs. 10 lakh as compensation to each of six individuals whose homes were illegally demolished, terming the act “inhuman and illegal.” The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized that such actions violate the fundamental right to shelter under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court criticized the manner in which demolition notices were served, noting that merely affixing notices without genuine attempts at personal service is inadequate and leads to unjust demolitions without due process. Justice Oka remarked, “This shocks our conscience. There is something called the right to shelter, something called due process.”

The demolitions were carried out with insufficient notice, leaving the affected individuals no opportunity to appeal. The Supreme Court underscored that authorities must adhere to due process and that compensation is necessary to ensure accountability. The Court also clarified that its order does not comment on the appellants’ ownership rights over the land, and they are free to pursue legal remedies to establish their claims.

This ruling sends a strong message against unlawful demolitions and highlights the importance of due process in upholding fundamental rights.​

Sources

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