Supreme Court raps authorities over bulldozer actions; frames guidelines for preventing 'illegal' demolitions
PTC News Desk: Supreme Court came down heavily on the bulldozer actions while asserting that executives cannot become judge overriding the judiciary and that "the legal process should not prejudge the guilt of an accused."
The Supreme Court was hearing the petitions on bulldozer actions demanding cessation against the accused as a corrective measure.
While hearing the plea, court also emphasised that the executive cannot assume the role of adjudication and that the arbitrary demolition of the home of the accused only based on allegations is a sheer violation of the constitutional structure and the principle of separation of powers.
"No one can be held guilty without a fair trial," the Court said, reinforcing the protections available to all, including those accused or even convicted.
The court also said that the officials who act beyond their authority also must be held accountable warning further that the executive's overreach in such cases disrupts foundational legal principles. "If only one person is accused of a crime, how can authorities be allowed to remove shelter from the heads of the entire family or a few families?," the court asked.
In such cases of arbitrary actions or negligence leading to the infringed rights of accused, the court suggested that compensation could be one way out.
- PTC NEWS
