Cuttack | June 25, 2025 

In a strong rebuke of administrative arbitrariness, the Orissa High Court has ordered the recovery of ₹82 lakh, including a personal deduction of ₹2 lakh from a Tahasildar’s salary, for carrying out a demolition in violation of court orders. The Court labeled the act a “disturbing example of bulldozer justice”, adding that such behavior undermines both due process and citizen trust in public institutions.

 

• The case concerns a community hall constructed on grazing land (gochar) in Balasore district, Odisha. The building, partially funded by government schemes, was in active public use.

• On December 14, 2024, the structure was demolished by local administration just one day after a High Court stay order had been issued, effectively rendering the act unlawful.

• No urgent necessity or emergency was cited by the authorities to justify the immediate demolition, leading the Court to observe that the rule of law had been replaced by executive force.

 

Justice Sanjib Kumar Panigrahi stated in the order:

 

 

He criticized the Tahasildar’s disregard for legal restraint, especially when the matter was sub-judice and pending final adjudication.

 

Financial Accountability Imposed

 

The Court directed that a total compensation of ₹82 lakh be disbursed:

 

Component Amount (₹) Source

Compensation to affected parties 10,00,000 State Treasury

Recovery from Tahasildar 2,00,000 Monthly Salary Deduction

Cost of litigation delays 70,00,000 Odisha Revenue Department

Total Recovery Ordered 82,00,000

 

• The Court emphasized that personal liability is essential when government officers violate constitutional safeguards.

• It reinforced that public land, even when disputed, cannot be arbitrarily cleared without due legal proceedings.

• This judgment may set precedent for increased scrutiny over demolitions conducted without court clearance, especially in cases where public interest and state power intersect.