In brief
In a landmark ruling on November 13, 2024, India's Supreme Court prohibited the controversial practice dubbed 'bulldozer justice,' which involves the demolition of homes and businesses, particularly of Muslims, as a form of punishment post-communal violence or dissent. This practice had been increasingly prevalent in states led by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. State authorities have often justified these demolitions on the pretext of illegal constructions, even before due legal processes were completed.
The court condemned such actions as reminiscent of lawlessness, emphasizing that the state cannot act as both judge and jury. In a striking instance last August, the Haryana government demolished properties belonging to those in Nuh and surrounding districts following violent clashes triggered by a Hindu procession. While human rights advocates have welcomed this ruling, concerns remain about its potential effectiveness, given that the demolitions had become normalized in recent years.The bulldozer has emerged as a political emblem in India. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has been popularly referred to as Bulldozer Baba for utilizing this approach to resonate with his voter base. However, organizations like Amnesty International hope this ruling signals a turning point against systemic discrimination faced by Muslims in contemporary India. Former UN rapporteur Miloon Kothari highlighted that these demolitions breach fundamental rights, affecting victims’ access to housing, education, and health services. He welcomed the court's guidelines but expressed skepticism regarding their implementation.Pragati K.B. is a journalist based in New Delhi, reporting on diverse stories across India.
