The Supreme Court has temporarily halted all bulldozer demolitions across the country, citing concerns over “glorification” and “grandstanding” surrounding these actions. The Court’s order requires that demolitions only proceed with its explicit permission until the next hearing.
Justice B.R. Gavai, leading the bench, emphasized that while unauthorized structures may be demolished following proper procedures, demolitions should not occur for “extraneous reasons.” Justice K.V. Viswanathan also clarified that the order does not protect unauthorized constructions on public spaces such as roads and railway lines.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 1, when it will issue further directives within municipal law to ensure legal remedies. The Court stressed that neither unauthorized occupants nor authorities should exploit gaps in municipal laws.
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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the demolitions, asserting they followed due process with notices served for violations. He argued that illegal demolitions are not subject to stay and challenged the litigants to provide evidence of non-compliance with the law.
Previously, on September 2, the Court had discussed creating national guidelines to prevent the demolition of property as punishment for criminal allegations. It had stated that even accused or convicted individuals should not have their property demolished as a punitive measure.
The case stems from a plea by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, alleging that authorities demolished homes in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri after riots in April 2022 without proper legal procedures. The petition argues that such demolitions violate the right to a home under Article 21 of the Constitution and seeks directives for reconstruction of the demolished properties.
