The order comes after petitions filed by APCR argued that demolitions should not be used as a substitute for judicial proceedings
BHOPAL — The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed the proposed demolition of 38 houses in the state’s Khandwa district, granting interim relief to residents of Badhiyatula village after petitions challenging the action were filed by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR).
The June 28 interim order comes amid an ongoing controversy in the village, located in Etwa tehsil, where several residents were served demolition notices following a police case related to the alleged slaughter of cattle.
According to police, nine people were booked in connection with the case, including the main accused, who was also booked under the National Security Act (NSA). Following the registration of the case, members of several Hindutva organisations staged a protest on June 20, blocking the Mundi Highway and demanding strict action against the accused.
In the days that followed, the district administration allegedly demolished some structures it described as unauthorised and issued demolition notices to dozens of other families in the village.
The affected residents subsequently approached APCR for legal assistance. The organisation moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court, arguing that the proposed demolitions were being carried out without due process.
The high court first granted interim protection to four houses after hearing the initial batch of petitions. Subsequently, notices were issued to 47 additional families. APCR returned to the court on behalf of 34 more families, following which the court extended interim protection to those households as well.
With the latest order, demolition proceedings have been stayed for a total of 38 houses pending further hearings.
The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocate Kabir Pal, Advocate Aryan Urmalia and their legal team.
In a statement following the order, APCR welcomed the interim relief, saying that while criminal investigations should proceed in accordance with the law, demolition of homes without following due legal process undermines constitutional protections. The organisation argued that demolitions should not be used as a substitute for judicial proceedings or as a form of collective punishment.
