‘No bulldozer action’: Supreme Court stays demolitions across country till October 1
The interim directive came on a batch of pleas against punitive demolitions by authorities and does not apply to illegal constructions in public spaces.
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday passed an order staying demolition across the country without its permission till October 1, reported Live Law.
The court, however, clarified that this directive does not apply to unauthorised constructions on public roads, footpaths, railway lines or public places.
“Till [October 1] there shall be no demolitions without seeking leave of this court,” a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan ordered. “However, such order would not be applicable for unauthorised constructions on public streets, footpaths, abutting railway lines or public spaces.”
The next date of hearing is October 1.
The bench issued three orders on a batch of petitions challenging “bulldozer action” by various state governments whereby properties belonging to persons accused of crimes were punitively demolished.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to the court’s order, arguing that it unduly restricts the powers of statutory authorities. However, the bench remained firm, saying that “heavens won’t fall” if demolitions are stopped for two weeks. “Stay your hands. What will happen in 15 days?” Gavai asked.
Authorities in four Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states and one Aam Aadmi Party-governed state punitively bulldozed 128 structures, mostly belonging to Muslims, between April and June 2022, human rights group Amnesty International said in a report in February.
There are no provisions in Indian law that allow for the demolition of property as...
