The Supreme Court of India has ruled against ‘bulldozer justice,’ condemning property demolitions as extrajudicial punishment without due process. It issued guidelines mandating prior notice, documentation, and a 15-day appeal period before demolitions. This ruling emphasizes the right to shelter, accountability in the executive branch, and the importance of legal proceedings in determining guilt.
![[Bulldozer Justice] "If One Person in a House is Accused, Would Authorities Be Permitted to Remove Shelter From All?" - Supreme Court Challenges ‘Bulldozer Justice’](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Suprem-Court-jpg-1020%C3%97534-11-13-2024_02_28_PM.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, the Supreme Court of India ruled against “bulldozer justice,” asserting the necessity of fairness in demolitions linked to criminal accusations. Emphasizing property rights as fundamental, the Court established that executive actions should not bypass judicial processes and called for accountability of officials abusing power. The ruling upholds citizens’ rights, rejecting arbitrary state actions disrupting lives and homes.
Today, On 13th November, the Supreme Court mandated strict guidelines against arbitrary demolitions linked to accused individuals, emphasizing accountability. Demolitions require prior notice, a 15-day appeal period, and must be documented. Officials failing to comply may face contempt charges and must restore demolished properties at their expense. These directives apply nationwide.
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Today, On 1st October, The Supreme Court reserved its judgment in the “bulldozer justice” case, highlighting public safety’s primacy. It mandated the removal of any religious structures, such as temples or dargahs, that encroach on essential infrastructure. The court’s directives ensure equitable application of anti-encroachment measures, reinforcing India’s secular principles and addressing unauthorized constructions uniformly.
Today(30th Sept),The Supreme Court of India has ordered a “status quo” on ongoing evictions and demolitions in Assam’s Sonapur region following a contempt petition from residents claiming violations of the court’s interim order. The petition, submitted by 48 residents, seeks judicial relief against what they describe as illegal evictions by the Assam government.
Former Aligarh Muslim University vice-chancellor and army veteran Zameer Uddin Shah has raised concerns over “bulldozer justice” actions targeting the Muslim community. He argues that these punitive measures lack due legal process and resemble extrajudicial executions. The Supreme Court is set to consider petitions challenging such demolitions and establish nationwide guidelines on property demolitions.
Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar praises the Supreme Court’s stance against “bulldozer justice,” advocating for guidelines to prevent such practices. He highlights the need for legal due process in dispensing justice and emphasizes the fundamental rights of shelter and dignity. The Court’s intervention is seen as critical in reinforcing constitutional values and curbing punitive abuse of demolitions.