Overview

• The Supreme Court declared that any religious structure encroaching on public roads, water bodies, or rail tracks must be removed for public safety.
• Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan highlighted that India is a secular country, and the directives apply uniformly, irrespective of religion.
• The court clarified that demolitions cannot be justified solely on the basis of criminal accusations or convictions.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the necessity of issuing prior notice before any demolition action is taken.
• The Supreme Court reserved its order on framing pan-India guidelines for demolition drives and extended the interim order halting demolitions without permission.