Cuttack: The Orissa High Court sharply criticised administrative overreach and ordered the Odisha government to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation, deducting Rs 2 lakh from a Tehsildar’s salary, for demolishing a community centre in Balasore defying its orders.
Terming it a “disturbing case of bulldozer justice,” the court warned that such actions erode due process and public trust in institutions.
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The case pertains to a community hall built on grazing land in Balasore, partly funded by government schemes and used by the public. On December 14, 2024, the hall was demolished by local authorities, just a day after the High Court issued a stay order, making the action illegal. The authorities provided no emergency justification for its action.
“This is not an isolated lapse but part of a growing tendency of executive officers acting as law unto themselves. The blatant disregard of a judicial order is not merely a procedural error—it is contempt in spirit,” Justice Sanjib Kumar Panigrahi stated in the order.
The Judge also pulled up the Tehsildar for showing disregard to legal restraint, especially when the matter was sub-judice and pending final adjudication. He emphasised on personal liability for violation of constitutional safeguards. “…public land, even when disputed, cannot be arbitrarily cleared without due legal proceedings,” it added.
The court ordered a total compensation of Rs 82 lakh – Rs 10 lakh from state treasury, Rs 2 lakh from Tehsildar’s salary and Rs 70 lakh for litigation delays from state Revenue department, The Law Advice reported.
