Meerut’s Central Market Reduced to Rubble in Seconds — Supreme Court-Ordered Demolition Sparks Chaos, Tears & Anger Among Traders

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: In a dramatic scene that lasted barely two seconds, the illegal Central Market complex in Meerut collapsed into dust as bulldozers rolled in under a Supreme Court demolition order. The blast-like sound and billowing clouds of debris left traders and locals in shock.

The Housing and Development Board, backed by heavy police and PAC deployment, began the demolition drive on Saturday morning, targeting a 35-year-old, three-storey commercial complex (661/6) housing 22 shops. The action continued for the second consecutive day on Sunday.

Traders stood helplessly as their life’s work crumbled. Some sat in front of their collapsing shops, watching silently, while others broke down in tears. The owner of Alankar Saree Suits sat with his family since morning, refusing to leave the site.

Several women traders protested, pleading with folded hands to stop the demolition. “Where will we go now? How will we feed our children?” one woman cried. Officials expressed helplessness, citing a direct Supreme Court order mandating compliance.

To prevent unrest, the entire Central Market area was turned into a security zone. Roads were barricaded, and the operation was monitored through ATS drones. The first day of the drive saw nearly 40% of the structure razed during a seven-hour-long operation.

What Led to the Demolition

The controversy involves a 288-square-metre plot originally allotted by the Housing Development Board to Veer Singh of Kazipur for residential use. In 1990, Vinod Arora allegedly used a power of attorney to construct a commercial complex illegally on the land.

After years of litigation, the case reached the Supreme Court, which on December 17, 2024, ordered that the complex be vacated and demolished within three months. When the order was ignored, RTI activist Lokesh Khurana filed a contempt petition.

Hearing the matter on October 6, 2025, the apex court took a stern view, issuing notices to the UP Home Secretary, Housing Commissioner, SSP Meerut, and other officials and businessmen. Under pressure, the administration initiated the demolition.

An FIR has also been lodged at Nauchandi Police Station against 44 officials and 20 businessmen in connection with the illegal construction.

Uncertain Future for Traders

While the demolition underlines the Supreme Court’s firm stance against illegal structures, it has left 22 shopkeepers in despair, unsure of how they will rebuild their livelihoods. The administration has so far given no assurance of compensation or rehabilitation.