India, June 25 -- The Orissa high court has ordered the recovery of Rs.82 lakh, including a personal deduction of Rs.2 lakh from a Tahasildar's salary, for carrying out a demolition in violation of court orders.

On December 14, 2024, a community hall constructed on grazing land (gochar) in Balasore district of the state was demolished by the local administration a day after the HC issued a stay order. The building, partially funded by government schemes, was in active public use. The district administration did not cite any urgent necessity or emergency to justify the immediate demolition.

"This is not an isolated lapse but part of a growing tendency of executive officers acting as law unto themselves. The blatant disregard of a judicia...