SC halts 'bulldozer justice' till October 1 without its permission

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a temporary nationwide halt on property demolitions until October 1, 2024, expressing deep concern over the potential misuse of demolition powers by authorities.

The court's intervention comes amid allegations that properties belonging to individuals accused of crimes were being illegally demolished in several states, raising questions about due process and constitutional rights.

A two-judge bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued the directive during a hearing on Tuesday, emphasising that even a single instance of illegal demolition goes against the "ethos of our Constitution." The court's order, however, does not extend protection to unauthorised structures on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or public places such as water bodies.

"Stand over to October 1 at the request of the Solicitor General. However, we direct that till the next date, no demolition without seeking leave of this court,” the bench stated, setting a clear precedent for the coming weeks.