MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticised states which were demolishing properties of suspected criminals, a practise critics say targets mostly minority Muslims, and issued guidelines to authorities.

India's Supreme Court restricts arbitrary demolitions, emphasizing due process and protection of citizens' rights.

India's ruling Hindu nationalist government is accused by rights groups and critics of ordering demolitions of properties belonging to Muslims as "punishment" following communal clashes or protests.India' s Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the government cannot order the demolition of property belonging to people accused of crimes