Chief Justice of India B R Gavai said the Supreme Court’s bulldozer action judgment gave him “immense satisfaction” as it focused on protecting families from arbitrary harassment. He credited Justice K V Viswanathan equally for the landmark ruling that set pan-India guidelines.
Today, On 27th January, the Supreme Court announced it would hear pleas, including a contempt petition, against Gujarat authorities for allegedly demolishing residential and religious buildings in Gir Somnath district without its prior approval. The case will be taken up in three weeks. The petition claims that the demolitions were carried out in violation of the court’s order. This hearing will address the legality of these actions and their impact on affected people.
The Supreme Court today (25th Oct) declined a request for an interim status quo on the demolition of Muslim religious structures in Gujarat, informed by the state’s assurance that the land will remain government-owned. Ongoing legal disputes include challenges to earlier court decisions and concerns over alleged unauthorized demolitions impacting recognized sites. Further hearings are scheduled.
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.
