How can anybody's house be demolished only because he is an accused, the Supreme Court observed on Monday.
IMAGE: Prayagraj Development Authority deployed bulldozers to demolish properties of Mohammed Ghulam, close aide of Atiq Ahmed, who is missing since the Umesh Pal murder, in Prayagraj. Photograph: ANI Photo
The court also said that it proposes to lay down guidelines on the issue.
"Even if he is a convict, still it can't be done without following the procedure as prescribed by law," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said on pleas against demolition action.
However, the apex court made it clear that it will not protect any unauthorised constructions.
"We propose to lay down certain guidelines on a pan-India basis so that the concern with regard to the issues raised are taken care of," the bench said.
It posted the matter for hearing on September 17.
