SC To Issue Guidelines On Bulldozer Justice, Questions Demolitions Of Convicts' Properties

An illegal multi-storey complex, allegedly owned by a rape-accused Samajwadi Party leader in Ayodhya, was razed to the ground a couple of weeks ago. On Monday, the Supreme Court, while hearing several pleas against this "bulldozer" justice, announced plans to issue pan-India guidelines. A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan observed that a house cannot be demolished, even if the owner is convicted. Justice K V Viswanathan emphasized that "nobody should take advantage of lacunas," and noted that demolishing a house due to a family member's actions is not justified unless the structure is illegal. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and BJP-ruled states, argued that bulldozer actions are taken only for municipal law violations. The Supreme Court, however, pointed out that complaints suggest breaches in the process. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17.