New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against demolishing the homes and businesses of accused individuals in criminal cases using bulldozers. Justices Bhushan R. Gavai and K.V. Vishwanathan observed that even if a person is accused, demolishing their house is not a proper course of action. The Supreme Court announced that strict guidelines would be issued nationwide to regulate such demolitions. The petitions questioning the demolitions arose in response to widespread retaliatory actions in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, targeting minority communities.
How can a house or business be demolished solely on the grounds of being an accused? The Court is considering issuing nationwide guidelines to address the concerns raised by the petitioners. The relevant parties can share their opinions and suggestions, which will form the basis for the guidelines. Senior advocate Nachiketa Joshi has been appointed to collate the suggestions.
The petitions considered were filed by Rashid Khan from Rajasthan and Muhammad Hussein from Madhya Pradesh. In April 2022, the demolition of Muslim homes and shops in Jahangirpuri, Delhi, made major headlines. CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat, among others, had stood in front of bulldozers with the court order, protesting the demolitions. Brinda Karat and others approached the Supreme Court against demolitions carried out in disregard of court orders and procedural norms.
