Supreme Court affirms : Taking action against illegal constructions is justified

Supreme Court’s statement on bulldozer action on properties !

New Delhi – In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, two petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of accused individuals. During the hearing on September 2nd, the Supreme Court suggested that it might establish guidelines applicable nationwide in such cases. The court also emphasized that if a property is illegal, appropriate action must be taken against it. The court commended the Uttar Pradesh government’s stance that illegal constructions can be demolished. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for September 17th.

On the petitions filed by Rashid Khan from Rajasthan and Mohammed Hussain from Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court remarked that the mere fact of being accused of a criminal offense does not justify the demolition of one’s property. The court proposed laying down some guidelines based on the principle of ‘Akhand Bharat’ to address the concerns raised. The court also appreciated the stance taken by the State of Uttar Pradesh.

During the hearing, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, stated that no property was demolished solely because the owner was accused of a crime. An affidavit was also submitted on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, asserting that any action taken against properties would be in accordance with the law.

Rashid Khan, a 60-year-old petitioner from Udaipur, faced the demolition of his house after his son was involved in a fatal knife attack on a Hindu classmate. Similarly, Mohammed Hussain from Madhya Pradesh has alleged that the state administration illegally demolished his house and shop.