Top court says homes cannot be torn down stealthily

Government departments should not demolish illegal houses furtively - at night or during holidays - but in a legal, open way, China's top court and judicial experts said.

Improper enforcement will be criticized by the public and possibly invalidated by the courts, according to a statement provided by the Supreme People's Court.

In a case in Shaoguan, Guangdong province, authorities demolished two illegal houses at 5 am on July 12, 2013, but did not inform the owners or publish advance notice.