Ignorantia juris non excusat is a famous legal principle which, loosely translated, means ‘ignorance of the law is no excuse’. In today’s context, however, can it be given precedence over all else? Can emotional value hold no importance over certain legal points? There have been cases where the judiciary has given importance to emotions, culture, and even moral values, over written legal points but has still maintained legal sanctity and upheld the Constitution.

The Constitution bestows the right to property, but that doesn’t apply when the said property is an encroachment. However, even if it is, the BMC, which has the right to demolish illegal structures in Mumbai, does need to follow the rules and also make people understand the law. This is especially valid in two cases reported by this paper a cop’s shanty being razed, and the demolition of a Jogeshwari pre-school’s compound wall with the kids still inside.