'Even if he is convict, how can you demolish house' ; SC gets tough on 'bulldozer justice'

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court slammed the infamous ‘bulldozer justice’ meted out against criminals by authorities. The court was responding to the petition filed against the rampant practice of demolishing houses of people involved in criminal cases.

A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan heard the petition. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court on behalf of the central government that houses should be demolished only if it is an illegal building.

Justice Gavai also asked why a person's house should be demolished regardless of whether he being an accused or proven guilty. A two-judge bench mulled plans to formulate a specific law on a pan-Indian basis to stop the outrageous act.

“Even if he is a convict, his house can’t be demolished. A procedure should be followed as prescribed by the law. A notice time should be given, then time for the convict to respond and seek legal options. Only then can the authorities proceed for demolition.” Said Justice Viswanathan.

Senior advocates Dushyant Dave and Siyu Singh, appearing for the petitioner, referred to the demolition of a building in Jahangirpuri, Delhi. 60-year-old houses were demolished because the owner's son was involved in the case.

Over the last few years, many states witnessed an emerging trend among authorities to demolish the houses of convicts, as a means of obtaining justice in a skewed way. Many houses of people involved in criminal cases were demolished in the recent past.