SC stops 'unauthorised bulldozer' action till October 1

The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily paused all unauthorized bulldozer demolitions targeting private companies across the country until October 1. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan dismissed government concerns about the impact on demolitions already granted after due process, stating, "The heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till the next hearing."

The court clarified that its directives do not apply to unauthorized structures on public roads, footpaths, or other public spaces. "There shall be no demolitions without seeking leave of this court. However, this order would not apply for unauthorized construction on public streets, footpaths, abutting railway lines or public spaces," the court order stated.

The ruling comes amid a wave of petitions challenging the use of "bulldozer justice," where authorities demolish the homes of individuals accused of crimes. The Supreme Court has twice condemned such practices this month, cautioning the government against using demolitions for "grandstanding" or "glorification."

The bench also suggested that the Election Commission might be drawn into the matter, as elections are forthcoming in several states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting to retain power.