CJI B.R. Gavai said India is governed by the rule of law, not bulldozers, during his Mauritius lecture. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal countered, claiming bulldozers are legally empowered and understood by the crooked.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, while speaking in Mauritius, strongly underlined that India is governed by the rule of law and not by bulldozer justice. His remarks came while delivering the Sir Maurice Rawit Memorial Lecture 2025 on the theme “Rule of Law in the Largest Democracy.”
The event was attended by Mauritius President Dharambir Gokhul, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Chief Justice Rehana Mungli Gulbul. Justice Gavai is on a three-day official visit to Mauritius.
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Highlighting the importance of constitutional governance, Justice Gavai said,
“This judgment has given a clear message that the Indian judicial system is not governed by the rule of bulldozers, but by the rule of law.”
Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the so-called “Bulldozer Justice” case, he explained that the top court had held that demolition of houses of accused persons for alleged crimes without following due legal process was unconstitutional.
The Court said such actions bypass the rule of law and violate the fundamental right to shelter guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Justice Gavai stressed that
“the executive could not play any other role” in this regard.
The lecture also touched upon landmark constitutional cases. Justice Gavai recalled the Kesavananda Bharati judgment of 1973, which laid down the basic structure doctrine. He said that in India, the judiciary has repeatedly given strength to democracy by safeguarding rights.
He noted,
“In the social sector, laws have been enacted to redress historical injustice and marginalised communities have often resorted to these and the language of the rule of law to assert their rights.”
Speaking on governance, he said,
“In the political sphere, the rule of law serves as the standard of good governance and social progress, which is the exact opposite of bad governance and anarchy.”
Justice Gavai also referred to the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, saying their ideas continue to show that in India the rule of law is not just about technical rules but about justice, fairness, and equality.
As examples, he cited important recent judgments, including the one abolishing the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims and the historic recognition of the right to privacy as a fundamental right.
Back in India, Justice Gavai’s remarks stirred a political response. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal reacted to the CJI’s statement.
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He said,
“Definitely, India runs by law and it is necessary for everyone to follow the law. India has its own Constitution. The country is run by the Constitution, there is no doubt about it. But the law itself empowers many State Governments to run bulldozers. When circumstances get out of hand, bulldozer is a language that even the best crooked person understands.”
He further added,
“Bulldozer is a language that even a crooked person understands. He said the law empowers several state governments to use bulldozers if required.”
The debate reflects a growing conversation in India on whether strict measures like demolition drives align with constitutional values or bypass the very principles of justice.
Justice Gavai’s message, delivered abroad but rooted in India’s constitutional legacy, reaffirmed that the judiciary will continue to stand by the principle that the country is governed by law, not by force.
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