New Rules For Demolishing Unauthorised Constructions | Uttar Pradesh | 31 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh government has issued guidelines for agencies before demolishing unauthorised constructions. 

• Notices must be served, and an opportunity for a personal hearing must be provided before finalising demolition. 

Key Points 

• New Rules for Demolishion: 
  • Mandatory Show Cause Notice & Waiting Period: 
    • No demolition should occur without issuing a show cause notice. 
    • Agencies must wait 15 days from the date of notice receipt before ordering demolition. The rules provides an appellate opportunity, demolition must be delayed for 15 days after the final order. 
    • Owners/occupants should be given 15 days to remove or demolish unauthorised structures themselves. 
  • Transparency Measures: 
    • A digital portal must be set up within three months to document all actions, including notices, replies, and orders. 
    • Notices should be sent to the District Magistrate's (DM) office via email, with automated acknowledgment. 
    • Minutes of personal hearings must be recorded. 
  • Demolition Orders & Compliance: 
    • Final orders should specify: 
      • Whether the structure is compoundable (can be regularised by paying fees). 
      • Details of the unauthorised/non-compoundable portions. 
      • Why demolition is necessary. 
    • Non-compliance with these rules may result in contempt proceedings and prosecution of officials. 
  • Legal & Administrative Observations: 
    • Many steps in the new rules already exist under different Acts. 
    • New features aim to improve transparency and consistency in demolitions. 
    • Issues of hasty demolitions and pending old demolition orders, leading to malpractice and unauthorized constructions. 
    • Municipal officials confirm compliance and clarify that temporary encroachments are handled under the UP Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.