Directive issued on SC decree on demolition drive
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 03 2024: The Home Department, through a circular issued by the commissioner (Home), has informed all authorities about the directives of the Supreme Court of India regarding the demolition of properties linked to individuals accused in criminal cases.

The directives arise from the judgment passed on November 13, 2024, in WP (Civil) No 295 of 2022 and other connected writ petitions.

The circular informed that the Supreme Court was approached through a batch of writ petitions seeking directions on behalf of citizens whose residential and commercial properties had been demolished by state machinery without adherence to due process of law.

These demolitions were reportedly carried out on the grounds of the property owners being accused in criminal offences.

The petitions further sought a direction to the Union of India and state governments to ensure that no 'precipitative' action is taken against the residential or commercial properties of individuals accused in criminal proceedings without following legal protocols.

Additionally, the petitions called for strict action against state officials who have engaged, or may engage in the future, in such unauthorized demolition exercises.

In response, the Supreme Court directed all state governments to issue circulars to their respective district magistrates and local authorities, ensuring compliance with its judgment.

Accordingly, the land resource department, DCs/DMs of all districts, and local authorities have been directed to strictly adhere to the directions issued by the apex court.

The circular emphasised the necessity of avoiding further complications in the matter and called for immediate compliance with the judgment.

To facilitate this process, the land resource department has been urged to take up necessary measures for the development of a portal at the earliest, as part of implementing the Supreme Court's directive.

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