Supreme Court halts bulldozer demolitions across India until October 1

PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court has imposed a temporary ban on bulldozer demolitions across the country until October 1, mandating that such actions must be approved by the court unless they involve public roads, water bodies, or railway lines. This decision came in response to concerns about the misuse of demolition drives, which the court described as a form of "bulldozer justice."

The Supreme Court's intervention follows criticisms of demolition practices that were deemed to undermine the rule of law. The Bench, consisting of Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and SVN Bhatti, highlighted that such practices are inconceivable in a country governed by the rule of law. They said allegations against a family member should not result in punitive action against the entire family or their property.

The recent ruling was triggered by a petition from a resident of Kathlal in Kheda district, Gujarat, who challenged a municipal authority's decision to demolish their home. The petitioner's lawyer argued that the property had been legally constructed and that the demolition threat was unjustified. The court agreed, noting that actions of the state must be governed by legal standards, and property demolitions based on alleged criminal involvement of a family member are not acceptable.

In an earlier ruling on September 2, the Supreme Court had expressed the need for comprehensive guidelines to regulate demolitions nationwide. Justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV  Viswanathan had advocated for a structured process that includes notice, opportunities to respond, and the pursuit of legal remedies before any demolition can occur.