Mon, Dec 09, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 7, 1446 | DXB ktweather icon0°C

India's top court denounces demolitions of 'illegal' properties, issues guidelines

Opposed by right groups and opposition parties, the practice has come to be popularly known as 'instant, bulldozer justice'

Published: Wed 13 Nov 2024, 3:59 PM

  • By
  • Reuters

Top Stories

Children browse through their school books after their houses were demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AF file

Children browse through their school books after their houses were demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AF file

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticised states which were demolishing properties of suspected criminals, a practise critics say targets mostly minority Muslims, and issued guidelines to authorities.

The verdict came in response to many petitions filed after demolitions in states ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years.

BJP governments in the states have torn down what they say are illegal houses or shops of people accused of crimes, many of them Muslims, in what has come to be popularly known as "instant, bulldozer justice".

Residents search for their belongings after their houses were demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AFP file

Residents search for their belongings after their houses were demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AFP file

Rights groups and opposition parties have denounced the practice, saying it targets mostly poor Muslims while circumventing the judicial process.

BJP governments have rejected the accusations and said such properties were in violation of local laws and the owners had been served notices.

On Wednesday, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the state and its officials cannot take arbitrary action against suspects or convicts without following the due process of law.

It also laid down guidelines, including issuing prior notice and taking a video of the demolition process.

"It is not a happy sight to see women, children and aged persons dragged to the streets overnight. Heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period," the court said.

There was no immediate reaction to the verdict from the BJP.

ALSO READ:



Next Story