MEERUT, Oct. 25 -- In a major drive on Saturday, a 35-year-old commercial complex at the Central Market in Meerut's Shastri Nagar was demolished on the orders of the Supreme Court. Joint teams of the UP Housing and Development Board, police, and district administration carried out the operation, bringing down 22 shops.

The complex had been a source of livelihood for nearly 150 people for decades. As bulldozers tore through the structure, several shopkeepers broke down watching their establishments reduced to rubble.

Officials said the demolition was carried out in compliance with Supreme Court directions issued 10 months ago. The apex court had ordered the Housing and Development Council to remove the illegal shopping complex, which had...