In a scathing rebuke to the trend of indiscriminate house demolitions, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has awarded a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to a woman whose house was wrongfully razed by municipal authorities in Ujjain. The ruling highlights the courts stance against arbitrary demolitions and underscores the need for adherence to due process.Questionable Trend CriticisedThe High Court minced no words in its criticism of the prevailing trend, stating that it had become fashionable for local administrations and bodies to bulldoze houses without adhering to proper procedures. This observation came as the court awarded compensation to Radha Langri, the aggrieved woman whose house fell victim to the arbitrary demolition drive.Call for Judicial PrudenceJustice Vivek Rusia, presiding over the bench, emphasised that demolition should only be considered as a last resort, following due process and affording the property owner a fair opportunity to rectify any irregularities. While reiterating the importance of regulatory compliance, the court underscored the inherent rights of individuals to construct houses within legal frameworks.Accountability DemandedIn a bid to uphold accountability, the High Court directed authorities to take disciplinary action against officials responsible for fabricating documents related to the property in question. This stern stance reflects the courts commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in administrative procedures.National RamificationsThe ruling comes amid a wave of house demolitions across several states, with authorities citing illegal constructions as justification. However, the judiciary is inundated with legal challenges contesting the legality of these demolitions, indicative of the contentious nature of the issue. In the national capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi recently demolished the Ziyarat Guest House, adding to the tally of over 130 demolition actions conducted in February alone.Conclusion: Upholding Justice Amidst UncertaintyAs the debate over house demolitions rages on, the Madhya Pradesh High Courts verdict stands as a beacon of judicial prudence and accountability. By condemning arbitrary demolitions and advocating for due process, the court reaffirms its commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of individuals against unchecked bureaucratic overreach.
