National desk
17 September
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a significant order halting the demolition of properties, commonly referred to as “bulldozer justice,” without prior approval from the court. A bench comprising Justice BR Gawai and Justice KV Viswanathan stated that even if a person is involved in criminal activities, their property cannot be demolished without the Supreme Court’s consent until October 1.
The court emphasized that demolishing constructions, even if they are illegal, goes against the core principles of the Indian Constitution. The order aims to prevent arbitrary demolitions and ensure that legal processes are followed. However, the court clarified that this ban does not apply to the removal of illegal structures built on public roads, footpaths, or other public spaces.
The bench reiterated that the demolition of even illegal constructions should be approached with caution, as such actions may violate constitutional values. This ruling is expected to offer protection to individuals whose properties face demolition without proper legal procedures, while maintaining the state’s authority to remove structures obstructing public areas. The order highlights the importance of ensuring fairness and justice in actions taken against illegal properties.