The Orissa High Court has delivered a scathing verdict against the illegal demolition of a decades-old community centre in Balipur village, Cuttack district, terming it a disturbing case of “bulldozer justice.” The court ordered the state government to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation, including ₹2 lakh to be recovered from the salary of the tehsildar responsible for the demolition.
🏛️ Court Condemns Violation of Judicial Orders
Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi, in his June 20 judgment, noted that the demolition was carried out on December 14, 2024, just a day after the court had explicitly restrained authorities from taking coercive action. The structure, known locally as a “Gosthigruha,” had stood since 1985 and was rebuilt using public funds under the Ama Gaon Ama Vikas Yojana and MLA-LAD scheme.
“Force must follow reason, not precede it. Where the reverse occurs, the legitimacy of State action begins to erode,” the court observed.
⚖️ Key Highlights of the Judgment
- ₹10 lakh compensation awarded to the youth association managing the centre
- ₹2 lakh to be deducted from the tehsildar’s salary in installments
- Departmental proceedings ordered against the erring official
- Chief Secretary directed to issue fresh demolition guidelines in line with Supreme Court norms
📜 Timeline of Events
- July 2024: Structure declared encroachment under OPLE Act
- Nov 29, 2024: HC issues stay on eviction
- Dec 13, 2024: Stay reaffirmed
- Dec 14, 2024: Structure demolished without notice or time to respond
The court criticized the “speed and secrecy” of the demolition, calling it more akin to a “covert operation” than lawful administration.
📌 Why It Matters
This ruling sets a precedent against executive overreach and reinforces the importance of due process and judicial compliance. It also signals a warning to field-level officers who may attempt to bypass legal safeguards under the guise of administrative urgency.
🔁 Share this article to uphold the rule of law and raise awareness about citizens’ rights against arbitrary state action.
