India’s Supreme Court Orders Compensation for Illegal Prayagraj Demolitions

The court condemned the Uttar Pradesh government for violating due process and the right to shelter, mandating ₹10 lakh compensation for affected homeowners.

The Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for 'inhuman and illegal' demolitions in Prayagraj, reaffirming the importance of the rule of law.
Affected homeowners are to receive ₹10 lakh each in compensation within six weeks, as ordered by the court.
The court emphasized that the demolitions violated constitutional protections, including the right to shelter and due process of law.
Petitioners alleged that notices were served just 24 hours before the demolitions, leaving no time to appeal, and that the demolitions were based on a mistaken belief about the land's ownership.
Reconstruction of demolished homes was permitted under strict conditions, including filing appeals and avoiding third-party claims on the properties.