Muslims in India Await Supreme Court Ruling on Controversial ‘Bulldozer Justice’
Rights advocates in India are awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on October 1 regarding the controversial practice known as “bulldozer justice,” where state governments demolish homes of individuals—often Muslims—accused of crimes, VOA reported in an article today.
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted demolitions without its approval until the hearing. Over 153,000 homes have been destroyed in recent years, displacing about 738,000 people, often justified by authorities as targeting illegal constructions.
Critics, including former Supreme Court Justice Madan Lokur, argue these actions amount to collective punishment without due process. The practice has escalated under BJP-led governments, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where demolitions followed protests against inflammatory remarks made by party spokespersons. The court has emphasized that demolitions must adhere to legal procedures, stating that punitive actions against accused individuals violate fundamental justice principles. National guidelines on demolitions are expected soon.
