Supreme Court Halts “Bulldozer Justice” Anywhere in India Till Oct 1

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday halted unauthorised bulldozer action against private property, anywhere in India, till October 1, the day on which the next hearing of the case will be held.

On October 1, the apex court will hear arguments against ‘bulldozer justice’ being taken up ice by some states to demolish property owned by people accused in criminal cases.

The court dismissed concerns by the government – represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta – that its order would impact legally sanctioned demolitions. “The heavens won’t fall if we ask you to hold your hands till next hearing”, a bench of Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said.

The top court also warned against “grandstanding” and “glorification” of this practice.

However the court – hearing petitions against bulldozing of homes and commercial properties belonging to individuals accused of or convicted in criminal cases – also said its order is not applicable to removing encroachments in public spaces like roads, railway tracks, and water bodies.