India’s Supreme Court issued a strong rebuke to state governments on Wednesday over the practice of demolishing properties belonging to individuals accused of crimes, a tactic that has come under intense scrutiny for disproportionately targeting Muslims. The court issued new guidelines to curb the practice, underscoring the importance of due process in any action taken against suspects.
The Supreme Court’s ruling came after multiple petitions were filed challenging recent demolitions in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In what has been described by critics as “bulldozer justice,” these state governments have demolished properties they claim were illegally constructed by suspects, many of whom are Muslim, without formal judicial review.
Human rights advocates and opposition parties have condemned the practice as a direct violation of legal protections, arguing that it disproportionately impacts the Muslim minority and the economically disadvantaged. Critics claim that the demolitions bypass proper legal channels, causing widespread harm to innocent family members. The BJP, however, has consistently defended these actions, asserting that the properties in question violate local regulations and that prior notifications were served to the property owners.
In its verdict, the two-judge Supreme Court bench emphasized that state authorities must adhere strictly to legal procedures, ensuring fair treatment for all citizens, regardless of the accusations they face. The bench clarified that no government or official has the right to carry out punitive actions against individuals suspected of crimes without following the law.
“It is not a happy sight to see women, children, and elderly persons dragged to the streets overnight,” the court observed, adding that officials should avoid rash demolitions, as “heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period.”
The Supreme Court further outlined specific guidelines that authorities must follow before conducting any property demolitions in cases involving alleged criminal activity. These measures include providing advance notice to property owners and ensuring that a video recording of the demolition process is taken. These steps aim to safeguard against potential abuses and ensure that property demolitions are carried out transparently and lawfully.
The ruling is viewed as a major development in the ongoing debate over India’s use of demolitions as a punitive measure. While the BJP has not yet issued a formal response to the ruling, the court’s decision is expected to influence future actions by state governments.
This verdict signals a call for a balanced approach, reminding authorities of their duty to uphold citizens’ rights under the law, even in cases involving criminal accusations. The court’s intervention serves as a clear message against arbitrary actions, urging that due process must be the bedrock of justice in all cases.
