SC Issues Pan-India Guidelines Curbing Punitive Bulldozer Demolitions
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: State authorities often carried out sudden demolitions of properties belonging to accused persons with little to no prior warning. NOW: Authorities must issue a formal show-cause notice at least 15 days in advance or within the time provided by local municipal laws, whichever is longer.
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BEFORE: Notices were sometimes backdated or not properly served, leading to claims of lack of due process by affected citizens. NOW: Notices must be sent via registered post to the owner, prominently pasted on the outer structure of the property, and recorded on a designated digital portal.
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BEFORE: Demolitions were frequently carried out without a transparent administrative record, making it difficult to challenge the justification later. NOW: The entire demolition process must be videographed, and a detailed report must be prepared and submitted to the municipal commissioner.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Supreme Court's November 2024 guidelines on property demolitions? 1. The Supreme Court utilized its inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to frame these pan-India guidelines. 2. The guidelines permit the executive to bypass the mandatory notice period if the property owner is already convicted of a serious criminal offense by a trial court.