Supreme Court's Stand Against 'Bulldozer Justice' Hailed by Former Law Minister

Former Union Law and Justice Minister Ashwani Kumar has praised the Supreme Court's stance against 'bulldozer justice,' viewing it as a reaffirmation of the need for legal due process. Kumar highlighted the importance of implementing guidelines to prevent such practices, stressing that justice should be administered lawfully and proportionately.

Former Union Law and Justice Minister Ashwani Kumar has commended the Supreme Court's recent stance against 'bulldozer justice.' He praised the Court's intervention as a reaffirmation of the necessity to uphold legal due process in delivering justice. Kumar emphasized that the Supreme Court's reprimand should lead to robust implementation of guidelines to prevent such practices.

In a public statement, Kumar noted that the Supreme Court's intervention is a welcome affirmation of the constitutional imperative of observing legal due process. He asserted that the Court's reprimand must result in a foolproof mechanism for effective implementation of anti-bulldozing guidelines proposed by the Court.

He added that justice according to law cannot be an act of retribution at the whim of executive authorities, stressing that demolishing homes as a form of punishment undermines fundamental rights to shelter and dignity. The Supreme Court has declared these rights as sacrosanct. Kumar argued that such practices are incompatible with the principles of a civilized democracy and the rule of law.

Senior Advocate Ashwani Kumar also said that 'bulldozer justice' is a brutal assault on constitutional fundamentals, putting the nation, sworn to the rule of law, to shame. He urged the citizenry to oppose the State becoming a tormentor, emphasizing that the State and Constitution deserve allegiance only as instruments of justice.

On September 2, the Supreme Court indicated plans to develop pan-India guidelines to address the issue of using house demolitions as a punitive measure. During a hearing, Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan requested parties involved to submit draft suggestions for crafting these guidelines. Senior Advocate Nachiketa Joshi has been assigned to compile proposals for the Court's consideration. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)