New Delhi, September 19, 2024: The Supreme Court of India has ordered a halt on unauthorised demolitions of private properties across the country until October 1, 2024. This decision comes in response to petitions against the practice, often referred to as "bulldozer justice," where state governments have demolished properties of individuals accused in criminal cases.
The court, led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, firmly dismissed concerns raised by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who argued that stopping demolitions could affect legally sanctioned actions. The court responded by stating, "The heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till the next hearing."
In its ruling, the Supreme Court also warned against the public "glorification" and "grandstanding" of these demolitions. The court made it clear that the executive branch cannot act as a "judge" in determining what is illegal construction and emphasized that it will establish guidelines to identify potentially illegal buildings.
The order, however, does not apply to the removal of encroachments from public spaces, such as roads, railway tracks, and water bodies. The court will continue hearing arguments on the issue on October 1.
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