Supreme Court to Frame Guidelines on Bulldozer Practices, Says Law Must Prevail

The Supreme Court is set to establish guidelines for bulldozer practices by authorities on immovable properties. Minister Ashish Patel refrained from commenting directly but emphasized adherence to constitutional laws. The court asserted demolitions should follow legal procedures and set a hearing for September 17.

The Supreme Court has initiated steps to establish guidelines on the controversial bulldozer practices employed by authorities against immovable properties. Uttar Pradesh Minister of Technical Education, Ashish Patel, commented on Wednesday, affirming the importance of adhering to constitutional laws but refrained from directly addressing the court's decision.

Patel remarked, "It is not right for me to comment on the court's order but I will say that the constitution of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and the laws made under that constitution should be followed by everyone and our CM follows strict law and order against criminals." This follows the Supreme Court's observation that properties cannot be demolished solely based on accusations, even if the accused is convicted.

A bench comprising justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan has requested concerned parties to submit proposals for creating pan-India guidelines. During the hearing, the court clarified that demolitions should occur in accordance with the law and specifically ruled out protecting illegal structures blocking public roads. The matter has been scheduled for a further hearing on September 17.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed to the court that demolishing properties without adhering to municipal laws is unacceptable, regardless of the criminal involvement of the individual. This hearing was part of several petitions challenging the use of bulldozer practices for demolishing properties.

One of the petitions highlighted the misuse of demolitions as extrajudicial punishment, impacting marginalized and minority communities. The plea urged the court to halt any demolition of residential or commercial properties of accused individuals outside the judicial process and called for strict action against officials bypassing legal procedures.

The petitioner called for adherence to lawful procedures in any demolition action and for accountability among officials involved in unauthorized demolitions.

(With inputs from agencies.)