Supreme Court Condemns Prayagraj Demolitions as 'Inhuman,' Orders Compensation

India's top court criticizes Uttar Pradesh authorities for unconstitutional demolitions, mandates Rs 10 lakh payouts to victims and underscores constitutional rights to shelter and due process.

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.