However, violations will only stop when strict punishment is given to the officers concerned as well as the politicians from whom such orders come,” he added. “Otherwise, the Supreme Court’s order will remain an empty statement.”

Naved suggested how the court could intervene. “The Supreme Court must pull up errant authorities for contempt of court, order compensation of victims and reconstruction of their properties and punish officers responsible for these demolitions,” he said.

Singh agreed. The court “must take errant authorities to task and send out a stern message,