The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark verdict on the controversial ‘bulldozer justice’ demolition drives, issuing pan-India guidelines and ordering compensation in a related case. The court’s decision comes after months of scrutiny and debate over the practice of authorities using heavy machinery to demolish properties belonging to individuals accused in criminal cases, often without following due process of law.
The matter was brought before the Supreme Court following several petitions filed by concerned citizens and organizations challenging the demolition drives carried out by various state governments. These petitions, including one filed by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, argued that the demolitions were conducted arbitrarily, without proper legal procedures, and often targeted individuals based on their perceived association with criminal activities.
The Supreme Court, recognizing the serious implications of such actions on the fundamental right to property, intervened and issued an interim order halting all demolitions until further notice. The court also emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure that any future demolition drive adheres to the principles of fairness and due process.
The apex court’s verdict on Wednesday is expected to provide much-needed clarity on the legality and proper execution of demolition drives across the country. The guidelines are expected to address key aspects such as the need for proper notice, an opportunity for the accused to be heard, and the involvement of independent authorities in the process.
One notable aspect of the verdict is the court’s decision to order ₹ 25 lakh compensation to a petitioner whose house was demolished in Uttar Pradesh. In this specific case, the Supreme Court strongly condemned the state government’s actions, calling them “unacceptable” and highlighting the need for adherence to the rule of law. The court emphasized that “bulldozer justice” is a serious violation of constitutional rights and cannot be condoned.
The Supreme Court’s verdict on ‘bulldozer justice’ is a significant development in the context of ensuring property rights and upholding the rule of law in India. The court’s guidelines will be crucial in preventing arbitrary demolitions and ensuring that any such action is taken only after proper due process is followed. The decision also serves as a strong warning to state governments against resorting to ‘bulldozer justice’ as a means of dispensing justice or maintaining law and order.
