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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a resounding blow against the controversial practice of 'bulldozer justice', declaring it a violation of the rule of law. The court firmly stated that demolishing property solely based on alleged criminal activity is illegal and that such actions cannot be justified by mere involvement in crime. This ruling marks the second time this month that the Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against the destruction of property linked to accused individuals.
The practice of 'bulldozer justice', which originated in Uttar Pradesh and has since spread to other states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, has been widely criticized for its disregard of due process and its potential for abuse. The Supreme Court's recent pronouncements underscore the importance of upholding legal procedures and protecting individual rights, even in cases involving alleged criminal activity. This commitment to the rule of law is essential for ensuring a fair and just legal system.
The specific case that brought the issue before the court involved a family in Gujarat whose home was threatened with demolition by municipal authorities. The Supreme Court, led by Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and S. V. N. Bhatti, vehemently condemned the practice, highlighting its unfairness and potential for misuse. They emphasized that punishing an entire family for the alleged actions of one member is unacceptable and amounts to a disregard for the fundamental principles of justice. This sentiment was further reinforced by the court's previous ruling against the demolition of family homes belonging to convicted individuals.
The Supreme Court's stance on 'bulldozer justice' is rooted in the fundamental principle that the state must act within the confines of the law and that the alleged criminal activity of one individual cannot be used to justify punitive measures against their family or their legally acquired property. The court reiterated that criminal accusations must be proven through a fair and impartial legal process, and that extrajudicial actions like demolition are unacceptable. In the Gujarat case, the court granted interim relief, halting any demolition actions against the petitioner’s property, pending further hearings.
The Supreme Court's judgments on 'bulldozer justice' serve as a powerful reminder of the crucial role of the judicial system in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that the state operates within the framework of law. The court's rulings have sent a strong message that arbitrary and punitive actions against individuals and their property will not be tolerated. This stands as a significant step towards ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and that the rule of law remains supreme.
Source: Involvement in crime no ground for bulldozer action: SC thrashes govt