Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Bulldozer Demolitions Nationwide Until October 1
In a significant ruling on September 17, 2024, the Supreme Court of India imposed a temporary halt on bulldozer demolitions across the country until October 1. This decision was driven by rising concerns over the misuse of demolition drives, commonly referred to as “bulldozer justice.” The court declared that demolitions could not proceed without judicial approval, except in cases involving public infrastructure like roads or railways. The ruling was a response to a series of incidents where properties linked to alleged criminals were demolished without following due legal process. The court stressed that no punitive action should be taken against an entire family or property solely based on allegations against one member. This ruling reinforces the need for the rule of law, ensuring that demolitions adhere to proper legal standards.
