The Supreme Court says that there would be no more ‘Bulldozer Justice’ in India. Before the recent ruling by the Supreme Court against “bulldozer justice” it was common for authorities in India to demolish the properties of people accused of crimes. This practice was highly controversial and drew criticism for ignoring legal procedures. The court has now made it clear that even if someone is found guilty their property cannot be destroyed without following the proper legal process. This ruling represents a major change from the previous approach. It shows the need for legal safeguards and ensures fair treatment for everyone regardless of the accusations against them.
The supreme court said on this issue “”Even if he is a convict, still it can’t be done without following the procedure as prescribed by law”.”We propose to lay down certain guidelines on a pan-India basis so that the concerns about the issues raised are taken care of,” the bench added.
The supreme court said that it would not also protect the illegal houses which are interrupting the public roads and causing trouble for the local people. This decision is taken in order to help the people who are suffering from the illegal building or structures which are causing hurdles in their transportation which clearly indicates that these structures could be destroyed.
Also Read: Karnataka CM spends 54 Lakh per month on social media according to RTI reply
Why Has This Decision Been Taken?
Lack of Due Process: In many cases the demolitions have been carried out without proper legal procedures such as issuing notices, conducting hearings or allowing appeals and this has raised concerns about the violation of civil rights and the rule of law.
Disproportionate Impact on Minority Communities: The properties targeted for demolition have often belonged to members of minority communities leading to allegations of discrimination and protest by the minority communities.
Ineffectiveness in Deterring Crime: While the stated intent of bulldozer justice is to deter crime there is little evidence to suggest that it has been effective in reducing criminal activity. In some cases the demolitions have even been seen as a form of collective punishment further exacerbating tensions.