Orissa HC slaps ₹82 lakh fine on government for unlawful demolition
The Orissa High Court has ordered the recovery of ₹82 lakh from the state government after officials tore down a community hall in Balasore, even though there was a court order to stop.
The hall, built partly with government funds, was used by locals and got demolished just one day after the stay order.
Judge slams officials for ignoring court orders
Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi called the move "bulldozer justice" and said it was an abuse of power.
The court ordered ₹70 lakh compensation from the revenue department and another ₹10 lakh from the state treasury for the affected group.
Plus, the Tahasildar who led the demolition will have ₹2 lakh docked from their salary.
The judge made it clear: public land can't just be cleared without following proper legal steps, and ignoring court orders has real consequences.