In a significant move to address concerns surrounding ‘bulldozer justice’, the Supreme Court of India has announced its intention to issue comprehensive guidelines on property demolitions under municipal laws. This decision comes in response to multiple petitions highlighting the arbitrary demolition of properties belonging to individuals accused of various crimes in several states.
The court, which has been hearing pleas challenging the legality of these demolitions, has already taken a proactive step by suspending all bulldozer demolitions across India until October 1st, except for those on public roads, water bodies, and railway lines. This temporary measure aims to prevent any further demolitions that might violate constitutional principles.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued against what he termed a narrative building around the issue, emphasizing the need to focus on instances of illegal demolitions and address them appropriately. However, Justice Vishwanathan, one of the judges on the bench, expressed strong reservations about the justification for using bulldozers in the name of illegal constructions, urging the Solicitor General to dissociate from this viewpoint.
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores its commitment to ensuring that any demolitions are conducted within the framework of municipal laws and in line with fundamental constitutional principles. The court has made it clear that the use of bulldozers should not be a tool for extrajudicial punishment or a means to bypass legal procedures.
This case has gained significant attention due to the recent incidents of bulldozer demolitions in various parts of India. Critics have pointed out that these actions often target marginalized communities and are carried out without proper legal due process, raising serious concerns about fairness and justice.
The Supreme Court’s decision to establish guidelines and temporarily halt demolitions signals a crucial step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that future demolitions are conducted fairly and transparently, in accordance with the law. The court’s next hearing on October 1st will be pivotal in shaping the final guidelines and setting a precedent for addressing this complex issue.
