Punjab & Haryana High Court stays demolition drive against houses/shops allegedly carried out without notice under NDPS Act

The Punjab & Haryana High Court granted interim relief by staying a demolition drive against houses and shops, which local authorities claimed were involved in narcotics-related violations under the NDPS Act. The Court intervened because the demolitions were allegedly conducted without serving adequate notice or following due process. The judgment underscores that even in offences under special statutes like NDPS, property rights and procedural safeguards must be respected. It ensures that demolition or penal measures cannot proceed arbitrarily, and that affected persons get a fair hearing before drastic actions.