The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday expressed concern that punitive demolitions of properties in Uttar Pradesh continue to be carried out despite the Supreme Court&rsquo;s November 2024 ruling that such &ldquo;bulldozer justice&rdquo; is unacceptable and unlawful.
A Division Bench of Justice Atul Sridharan and Justice Siddharthanandan questioned whether the Supreme Court&rsquo;s directions were being obeyed in the state, and whether the state has the authority to demolish the homes of accused persons or whether its duty is to protect citizens&rsquo; constitutional rights.
While granting interim relief to Faheemuddin and two others from Hamirpur, the High Court said that demolishing structures immediately after an offence may be an improper exercise of executive power. The court further held that even a &ldquo;reasonable apprehension&rdquo; of demolition is enough reason for citizens to approach the judiciary for protection. The matter is now listed for further hearing on February 9.
The case relates to the Bharua Sumerpur area in Hamirpur district, where a police case was registered against a person named Afan under Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act and Sections 3 and 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act. After the FIR was registered, a crowd reportedly gathered around the accused&rsquo;s house.
One of the petitioners, Zaibun Nisha, claimed that an Indian Lodge registered in her name was sealed, and an oil mill owned by her son, Moinuddin, was also sealed on February 11, 2025, on orders of the District Magistrate. The family, consisting of father, mother, and son, said they feared that bulldozer action might be used against their properties.
Representing the state, Additional Advocate General Anoop Trivedi objected to the petition, calling it premature. He said that the authorities had only issued notices and that the petitioners had yet to file their replies. The state also assured the court that no demolitions would be carried out without due process and an opportunity to be heard.
The High Court reiterated that it had seen multiple cases where demolition notices were issued immediately after the registration of a case, and stressed that the Supreme Court has clearly held that demolition cannot be used as punishment. The Bench emphasised that the power to punish lies solely with courts, not executive authorities.
In its interim order, the court directed police to ensure the petitioners&rsquo; personal safety and to guarantee unhindered access to their properties. The Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue/Urban Development), District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Station House Officer, Divisional Forest Officer, and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council have been made respondents in the petition.

High Court asks if bulldozer actions comply with Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling

Allahabad HC Flags Illegal Demolitions in UP

High Court asks if bulldozer actions comply with Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling

February 4, 2026 | 12:29 IST