Overview

• The Supreme Court of India declared the Prayagraj demolitions unconstitutional, citing violations of Article 21, which guarantees the right to shelter.
• The Uttar Pradesh government was ordered to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to each affected homeowner within six weeks for the illegal demolitions.
• The court criticized authorities for issuing demolition notices just one night before the actions, leaving residents no time to appeal or respond.
• Judges highlighted systemic failures in serving notices, condemning the practice of affixing notices on properties instead of using registered post.
• The court permitted conditional reconstruction of demolished homes, requiring homeowners to file appeals within a specified timeframe.