Disturbing Visuals Spark Legal Action: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s Response to Demolitions in Uttar Pradesh
Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by NewsDesk SLC
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court expressed profound concern over a viral video depicting a young girl outside a demolished house, stating, “Everyone is very disturbed by such visuals.” This remark came during a recent hearing concerning the illegal demolition of homes in Prayagraj, where the court directed the Prayagraj Development Authority to compensate six individuals with ₹10 lakh each for the violation of their right to shelter under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The troubling video, which emerged last week, shows the girl clutching books and fleeing from a shanty during an anti-encroachment operation in Jalalpur, Ambedkar Nagar. According to reports, the Ambedkar Nagar Police justified the demolition, citing compliance with an ejection order from the Jalalpur tehsildar court, emphasizing that multiple notices had been issued to clear non-residential structures.
However, Justice Bhuyan, along with Justice Abhay S Oka, deemed the demolition actions “inhumane and illegal.” The court found that the demolition notices were poorly executed, as they were merely affixed to structures rather than served personally, which denied residents a fair opportunity to challenge these actions. The judgment highlighted that the demolitions took place just a day after the appellants received notice via registered post, circumventing the due process mandated by the U.P. Urban Planning and Development Act.
The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for adherence to legal guidelines regarding demolitions, urging authorities to ensure that individuals are given fair notice and opportunities to contest such actions. This ruling underscores the court’s commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable populations in the face of administrative actions.
