Indian Courts Uphold Compensation for Illegal Demolition and Order Fast‑Track Decisions on Unauthorized Constructions

The Jharkhand High Court dismissed the state government's appeal against a lower‑court order that required it to pay ₹5 lakh for reconstruction and ₹25,000 for mental agony to a shop owner whose premises were demolished without legal authority. The bench described the demolition as a "high‑handed" act and labeled the appeal an abuse of the judicial process.

Separately, the Supreme Court of India directed the Jaipur Development Appellate Tribunal (JDAT) to resolve pending appeals concerning illegal constructions within two weeks and held the JDAT presiding officer personally accountable for complying with the order. The court highlighted that interim protections granted by the tribunal had stalled enforcement actions against unauthorised structures on agricultural land and open spaces, prompting a stern warning to ensure swift adjudication.