India has witnessed a concerning practice known as “bulldozer justice,” where authorities demolish properties of individuals suspected of riot involvement without evidence or court orders. The Supreme Court recently condemned this approach, emphasizing the need for fair trials and accountability. The ruling mandates prior notice for demolitions and holds officials financially responsible for wrongful actions, particularly affecting vulnerable communities targeted in these punitive measures.
India’s Fight Against “Bulldozer Justice”
In recent years, a troubling trend in India emerged where mere suspicion was enough for authorities to send in bulldozers to demolish the homes or businesses of individuals accused of involvement in riots. This practice, often referred to as “bulldozer justice,” frequently occurred without any presented evidence or court orders, leaving affected individuals with little to no time to appeal their cases. Many found themselves abruptly awakened in the night, forced to hastily gather their belongings as their properties were destroyed.
Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling
Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court intervened decisively, condemning this unjust practice. The judges criticized the demolition of properties without a fair trial, stating that such actions violate the core principles of the rule of law and the constitution itself. This form of punishment has primarily targeted Muslim individuals, especially following religious tensions with nearby Hindu communities. Authorities often claimed that the demolitions were justified due to lack of building permits, yet the court found this reasoning to be a mere facade for targeting specific groups.
The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the radical politician Yogi Adityanath, has openly celebrated bulldozer justice. Adityanath, infamously known as “Bulldozer Grandpa,” has been praised by Modi for his swift punitive measures against suspects, drawing inspiration from similar tactics employed in other countries. One notable case before the Supreme Court involved the demolition of a Muslim man’s home in Prayagraj, which followed riots sparked by inflammatory comments made by a BJP member regarding the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized that the executive branch cannot assume the role of a judge and that it has no authority to determine a suspect’s guilt. This arbitrary approach not only undermines the separation of powers but also constitutes a form of collective punishment, unfairly impacting the families of those accused. The court’s decision mandates that officials be held personally accountable for their actions, particularly in cases like the one in Rajasthan, where a family was displaced due to a wrongful demolition.
To further protect individuals from future injustices, the Supreme Court established guidelines to prevent forced evictions without proper notice. Affected parties must now receive at least 15 days’ notice before any demolition occurs, and each case must be justified. Should officials neglect these rules, they will be held financially responsible, required to compensate victims and cover reconstruction costs out of their own pockets.