'Not a blanket bar': Supreme Court clarifies bulldozer order
The Indian Supreme Court clarified that its previous ruling against 'bulldozer justice' does not prevent authorities from removing illegal encroachments on public land. The court emphasized that demolitions must follow due process and cannot be used as a tool for selective reprisal against individuals.
Why it matters
This ruling balances the need for urban governance and clearing illegal structures with the protection of citizens' rights against arbitrary state action.
NEW DELHI: In an important clarification to its two-year-old judgement against 'bulldozer justice', Supreme Court said its ruling does not bar use of bulldozers to remove rampant illegal constructions and encroachments on public land following compliance with the procedure laid down in municipal laws.Refusing to adjudicate individual contempt petitions alleging demolition of houses, mosques and other structures in flagrant violation of the elaborate procedure laid down in SC's Nov 13, 2024, judgement, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said in each case there has to be a fact-finding exercise to ascertain whether authorities took steps arbitrarily and that jurisdictional HCs would be in better position to carry out this exercise.When the petitioners alleged bulldozers were used to remove houses, kiosks or shanties, the bench said, "There are rampant illegal constructions and encroachments in public places.
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