Having a roof over the head is a fundamental right of the people…’, SC made strict comment on bulldozer action

The Supreme Court says that having a roof over the head of any person is his fundamental right. But if government policies are unable to provide housing to people at affordable prices, then formation of unauthorized colonies is certain.

The court made this comment during the hearing of petitions filed to quash the Allahabad High Court order to demolish 24 alleged illegal colonies in Akbar Nagar, Lucknow.

The Supreme Court has stayed the order to demolish these 24 illegal colonies till March 4. The court has asked the state government whether the people whose houses have been demolished need any kind of financial help. Justice Khanna said that there are shortcomings on the part of the government here. Having a roof over the head i.e. having a house is the fundamental right of the people.

Justice Khanna said that people have accepted that this land belongs to the government and construction on government land is illegal. However, the bench has given the petitioners time till 12 midnight on March 4 to remove their belongings.

The bench said, after this the LDA will be free to take demolition action. On February 27, Allahabad High Court had cleared the way for this by rejecting the petition of the occupiers.

The court said that the petitioners have the right to apply under the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) scheme for alternative housing. LDA has the authority to demolish these illegal structures. Along with this, the court directed to take photographs before and after the destruction of these illegal structures.