In brief
In a landmark ruling, India's Supreme Court prohibits the use of bulldozers as instruments of punishment for alleged criminals, asserting that due process must be upheld.
In a significant move towards justice, India's Supreme Court ruled that homes cannot be demolished simply because the occupants are accused of crimes. Issued in response to concerns over recent demolitions, particularly in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the court emphasized that the executive cannot act as judge and jury. "The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building reminds one of lawlessness where might was right," the court stated on Wednesday.This ruling will require authorities to provide a 15-day notice to individuals before any demolition. The notice must clearly outline the reasons and allow time for a response. If there's no reply, the government may proceed, but the entire process must be documented. Meanwhile, the court warned that disregard for these guidelines would be deemed contempt.Concerns were raised regarding the targeted use of such demolitions, predominantly affecting minority Muslim communities. Critics argue that although the BJP claims to act against illegal constructions, the pattern reveals a selective approach linked to political motivations.The ruling comes as a response to a series of protests surrounding demolitions perceived as punitive measures. Amnesty International voiced support for the ruling, marking it as a critical step to protect citizens' rights against what they termed 'bulldozer justice.'As the Indian Supreme Court strives to uphold constitutional democracy, the effectiveness of this ruling lies in its implementation. Resolute measures will be essential in curbing lawlessness while ensuring that no citizen's home is implicated unjustly.
