Apex court talks tough on 'bulldozer action'

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday indicated its intention to establish pan-Indian guidelines to address concerns that authorities in various states were using house demolitions (bulldozer action) as a punitive measure against individuals accused of crimes.

- ABHIJEET KUMAR

The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday indicated its intention to establish pan-Indian guidelines to address concerns that authorities in various states were using house demolitions (bulldozer action) as a punitive measure against individuals accused of crimes.

A Bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and K V Viswanathan, while hearing a series of petitions challenging the "bulldozer actions" in different states, requested that parties involved submit draft suggestions to assist the Court in formulating these guidelines. Senior Advocate Nachiketa Joshi was tasked with collating these proposals for presentation to the Court. The Bench noted that they would attempt to resolve the issue on a nationwide basis and scheduled the matter for further consideration in two weeks.

"Let us try to resolve the issue on a pan-Indian basis," the Bench said.