The Supreme Court will decide on the issue of framing a pan-India guidelines to regulate “bulldozer” action by authorities.
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Wednesday, November 13, on pleas seeking to stop authorities’ “bulldozer” action against accused persons as a punitive measure. The top court will decide on framing pan-India guidelines to prevent the“illegal” demolition of homes and other properties.
On October 1, the court extended its interim order, asking authorities to stop demolition drives until further orders were received. The interim order did not apply to unauthorised constructions, including religious structures on roads and footpaths. The court also remarked that “public safety” is paramount, and no religious structure, be it a temple, dargah, or gurdwara, in the middle of the road can obstruct the public.
During the hearings, the court observed that being accused or convicted of a crime was no grounds for authorities to initiate bulldozer action against homes and shops.
“We are a secular country… Whatever we lay down… we lay down for all citizens. There cannot be a particular law for a particular religion. Unauthorised constructions belonging to members of any community have to go, no matter their religion or faith,” remarked Justice Gavai orally in court.
The top court also noted the existence of different laws for municipal corporations and nagar panchayats and said they were only concerned about misuse of the municipal laws. While deliberating on framing pan-India guidelines, the court also suggested an online portal for awareness.