Supreme Court declines uniform demolition policy

On August 12, 2026, the India — Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. K. Mohanan, declined to entertain a public interest litigation filed by the Centre for Law and Good Governance. The PIL sought a uniform national policy for the regularisation and demolition of long-standing unauthorised constructions. The Court held that such policy decisions fall within the domain of state governments and local authorities, given the varying ground realities across states. It, however, asked all states and Union territories to consider the issues raised in the petition when formulating or revising their own policies. The Court reiterated existing safeguards against arbitrary demolitions, including the requirement of at least 15 days' notice before demolition, and noted that unauthorised construction is not limited to economically vulnerable residents.