Today, On 1st April, The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the “inhuman” demolition of houses. The court reminded the state of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process. It stressed that administrative actions must be fair and legal, protecting citizens’ rights. The remarks highlight growing judicial scrutiny over demolition drives in the state.
The Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for its high-handed approach in a demolition case in Prayagraj. A bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and N Kotishwar Singh expressed strong disapproval of the action. The court ruled that the demolished structures must be rebuilt, holding the authorities accountable.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court asked a former Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporator and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, who filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal construction in Mumbai, to provide details of the actions he took against such structures when he was in office.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre, while hearing the case, questioned the petitioner on his past role in handling illegal constructions.
![[Bulldozer Justice] "Wrongful Demolitions Warrant Compensation; Officials Should Not Be Shielded from Accountability": Supreme Court](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Watch-What-is-Bulldozer-Justice-And-Why-Does-the-SC-Want-Guidelines-Against-It_-on-News9-Plus.png?resize=447%2C348&ssl=1)
Today, On 13th November, the Supreme Court condemned “bulldozer justice,” stating that legal actions should not imply guilt before a fair trial. It ruled demolishing properties of accused individuals is unlawful, emphasizing due process, accountability, and the protection of family homes from arbitrary state action, regardless of accusations or convictions.
Today, On 12th November, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, discontinued oral mentions for urgent hearings, requiring requests to be submitted via email or written slips. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, though critics argue it may hinder immediate access for genuinely urgent cases needing swift judicial response.
![[Gir Somnath Demolition Row]: SC Adjourns Hearing Till December 2](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-119.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta Yesterday (Oct 25) informed a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Vishwanathan that the Auliye-e-Deen Committee had withheld crucial information in its petition challenging the demolition of nine Muslim religious sites, graveyards, and hutments, some of which were protected ancient monuments in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. He noted that the removal of encroachments on the same land began five months ago and pointed out that the court was not told that similar actions, including the demolition of several temples, had been ongoing since 2020.
Yesterday, On 14th October, the Supreme Court dismissed a new plea against the use of bulldozers for demolition, asserting the issue had been resolved. It also declined to consider compensation claims for affected individuals. Reserved judgments on bulldozer actions are anticipated, emphasizing legal guidelines and protections regardless of religion amidst growing concerns over “bulldozer justice.”
![[Demolitions in Somnath] "If Authorities in Contempt, Will Ask Them to Restore Structures": SC Declines To Halt Demolitions, Seeks Gujarat's Response](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-15.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court Today (Oct 4) said if it finds that authorities in Gujarat acted in contempt of its order on demolition of properties, it will ask them to restore the structures. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan was hearing a plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings for alleged violation of the apex court’s September 17 order which had said that there shall be no demolition of properties, including those accused of crimes, across the country without its permission.
![[Bulldozer Action] "Demolitions Carried Out in Strict Provision of Law": SC Praises UP Govt’s Legal Adherence](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-2024-09-04T151817.783.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court praised the Uttar Pradesh Government’s adherence to legal procedures in its ‘bulldozer action’ to demolish properties of individuals accused of crimes. However, the Court also proposed nationwide guidelines to regulate such demolitions and raised concerns about ethical and legal implications, emphasizing the need to ensure adherence to established legal standards.
The Bombay High Court today criticized the Maharashtra Government over Vishalgad violence and demolitions. It questioned the rationale behind house demolitions during the monsoon season and warned responsible officers of jail time. The court ordered a stay on all demolitions and instructed the police to review the violence videos. Residents’ plea highlighted assaults during the protest.