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The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong rebuke against the practice of 'bulldozer justice,' which involves the demolition of homes belonging to individuals accused or convicted of crimes. The court questioned the rationale behind such demolitions, asserting that the mere involvement in a criminal case should not be a justification for destroying someone's property.
The issue came to the forefront during a hearing concerning the demolition of properties in Delhi's Jahangirpuri, where homes, some over 50 years old, were demolished even though the accused in the case were not the owners of the properties. The court also cited the case of a house demolished in Udaipur after a student residing there stabbed his classmate, raising the question of whether punishing an entire family for the actions of one individual is justified.
The court's stance on the matter is clear: while it does not condone illegal construction, it emphasizes the need for proper procedures and legal due process before any demolition takes place. The court's concern is rooted in the potential for abuse of power and the inherent injustice of punishing innocent individuals by destroying their homes without sufficient legal justification.
The Solicitor General of India acknowledged that demolition can only be carried out if the structure is illegal, indicating the government's recognition of the issue. However, the court's call for nationwide guidelines underscores its belief that a consistent and fair approach is crucial to preventing arbitrary and discriminatory practices in the future.
The Supreme Court's stance on 'bulldozer justice' reflects a growing concern in India regarding the use of excessive force and the potential for abuse of power by authorities. The court's decision to invite suggestions for tackling this issue highlights its commitment to safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring that legal procedures are followed even in cases involving serious crimes.
Source: "How Can House Be Demolished Because..." Top Court On 'Bulldozer Justice'