Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Punjab and Haryana High Court upholds right to housing
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently made an important decision about people living in jhuggis (small makeshift homes) in Chandigarh.
The court said that everyone has the right to housing, which is a fundamental right protected by the Indian Constitution.
The court also said that the government cannot demolish these homes without giving the people living there a chance to be heard.
The court ordered the government to consider giving these people flats under a special housing scheme.
The court also said that the government must make a decision about this within two months and that the homes should not be demolished until a final decision is made.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside demolition orders for jhuggi dwellers in Chandigarh, recognizing the right to housing as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The court directed the Chandigarh administration to consider the jhuggi dwellers' claims for allotment of flats under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme 2006.
The demolition orders were found to be unsustainable as they were passed without giving the petitioners notice or a hearing opportunity.
The court ordered the authorities to pass an order on the petitioners' claims within two months and to maintain the status quo until further orders.
In a separate case, the court also set aside the Chandigarh Housing Board's decision to reject the claims of several jhuggi dwellers for flats under the same scheme, citing a lack of notice or hearing.
- Who
- Jhuggi dwellers in Chandigarh
- What
- Punjab and Haryana High Court set aside demolition orders and directed authorities to consider their claims for flat allotment
- When
- Recently (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Chandigarh, India
- Why
- The court recognized the right to housing as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and found that the demolition orders were passed without notice or hearing
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Petitioners
- Jhuggi dwellers
- Scheme
- Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme 2006
- Right
- Right to housing under Article 21
- Order
- Demolition orders set aside
- Directives
- Consideration of flat allotment claims within 2 months
- Status Quo
- Maintained until further orders