The Supreme Court on Tuesday paused unauthorized bulldozer actions against private companies across the country until October 1, dismissing government concerns that demolitions approved after formal due process might be affected.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said, “The heavens won’t fall if we ask you to hold your hands until the next hearing.” However, the court clarified that its directives would not apply to unauthorized constructions on public roads, footpaths, and railway lines.
According to the court’s order, “There shall be no demolitions without seeking the court’s permission until the next hearing. However, this order will not apply to unauthorized construction on public streets, footpaths, or adjacent to railway lines and public spaces.”
The order was issued while the court was hearing a series of petitions challenging the practice of “bulldozer justice,” referring to demolition drives conducted by authorities targeting the homes of individuals accused of crimes.
This month alone, the Supreme Court has twice condemned the “bulldozer justice” practiced by various state governments. The court has now issued a stern warning to the government against further “grandstanding” and “glorification” of such actions. It stated, “No demolitions until further notice without explicit permission from this court,” also noting that the Election Commission could be drawn into the matter.
The reference to the Election Commission is particularly significant as upcoming elections are scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to retain power. In addition, elections are due later this year in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
