The Supreme Court established strict guidelines to prevent authorities from demolishing properties without due process. The court emphasized that officials who illegally demolish homes will face consequences, and affected families will be compensated. The court stressed that India’s secular nature demands equal application of the law, regardless of religion.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday laid down pan-India guidelines for demolition of “illegal” structures. The court said the entire process must be videographed and a report of the demolition should be submitted to the district head.

The Supreme Court today ruled that the executive cannot replace the judiciary by arbitrarily demolishing the properties of accused individuals. Such actions violate constitutional rights, it said.