Supreme Court On Bulldozer Justice: The row over the rampant use of 'bulldozer justice' across the country ignited a passionate debate inside the Supreme Court on Tuesday, with the apex court ordering a complete ban on unauthorised demolition anywhere in India till the next hearing on the matter, scheduled for October 1.
The top court, however, clarified that this order would not apply to any unauthorised construction on public roads, or footpaths, among others.
Dismissing the concerns raised by the solicitor general Tushar Mehta that the blanket ban will affect the demolitions authorised after following due process, a bench of Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said: "Heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till the next hearing".
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The bench asked the solicitor general why the properties were being demolished mainly after some alleged offence, to which SG replied that a narrative was being built by one community.
"Let them bring one instance of illegality. Affected parties don't come because they know it was illegal and they got notices, and they come in PIL," SG Tushar Mehta said in response to the bench's question.
While the solicitor general remained firm that a 'narrative' was being built to protect the offenders and encroachers, the court passed the order to stall all the demolitions within the country without its permission.
"Till next date, there shall be no demolitions without seeking leave of this court. However such order would not be applicable for unauthorised constructions on public streets, footpaths, abutting railway lines or public spaces," the order stated as quoted by the Bar and Bench.