High Court Criticizes Ujjain Bulldozer Demolition Trend

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a stern critique of the bulldozer approach employed against individuals accused in criminal cases, emphasized that it has now become a prevalent trend for civic authorities to demolish homes without adhering to proper procedural norms.

The Indore bench of the high court made these remarks earlier this month during a case concerning the demolition of Rahul Langri’s residence in Ujjain. Langri, facing charges of inflicting harm to extort property, was apprehended and incarcerated. Subsequently, the police coordinated with the municipal body to demolish Langri’s two-story house.

Radha Langri petitioned the court in response, highlighting that the demolition occurred without due process. She argued that the house, registered with the housing board and financed through a bank loan, was not illegal. Justice Vivek Rusia adjudged the demolition as unlawful, granting compensation of ₹1 lakh each to Radha-Langri and her mother-in-law, Vimla-Gurjar.

The court further directed disciplinary action against the civic officials involved. Dissatisfied with the compensation, the petitioners plan to pursue further legal action in civil court.

The court condemned the prevalent practice of hasty demolitions by local-administrations, stressing the necessity for adherence to principles of natural-justice. It suggested that regularization of construction should precede demolition and emphasized providing ample opportunity to homeowners for compliance.

Radha Langri,expressing relief at the court’s decision,lamented the unjust imprisonment of her husband and the subsequent demolition of their home. She stressed that the actions of an individual should not implicate the entire family.

Tehzeeb Khan, counsel for the petitioners, argued against the indiscriminate punishment of innocent family members, asserting that the presence of a criminal within a household does not render all its occupants culpable.

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