Can the municipality in Itanagar demolish my house without court order?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The municipality in Itanagar cannot demolish your house without a court order or following the procedure prescribed under the Arunachal Pradesh Rent Control Act 2017 for removal of unauthorized constructions. The Gauhati High Court has consistently held that demolition without prior notice and an opportunity for hearing violates Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution.

The municipality must issue a show cause notice, consider your reply, and pass a reasoned order before demolition. If the demolition is carried out in violation of these principles, you can approach the Gauhati High Court for compensation and restoration.

The court has also directed that demolition drives must be conducted with dignity and not during extreme weather conditions. In cases of illegal demolition, the officials responsible can be held accountable by the court.