Supreme Court Halts Unauthorized Demolitions, Criticizes 'Bulldozer Justice'

The Supreme Court of India has halted the unauthorized demolition of private properties across the country until October 1, when further hearings will take place regarding the controversial practice known as 'bulldozer justice.' This refers to actions by certain state governments demolishing properties of individuals accused in criminal cases. The court, led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, dismissed concerns from the government that the stay would interfere with legally approved demolitions, assuring that public safety would not be affected. The court also stressed that such demolitions should not be glorified or used for political grandstanding.

The government's representative, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that narratives were being built around the issue, but the court clarified that demolitions linked to public encroachments, like on roads or railway tracks, would not be stopped. The Supreme Court plans to establish guidelines for identifying unauthorized structures, emphasizing that no individual’s property should be destroyed without due process, even if they are accused of a crime.

This ruling comes amid petitions from individuals whose homes were demolished, with some arguing that their properties were wrongfully targeted despite previous court instructions against such actions.