THE Supreme Court of India has delivered a strong judgment on pleas challenging the use of bulldozers by authorities across the country.
Exercising its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution, the court has issued comprehensive guidelines to regulate and restrain ‘bulldozer actions’ undertaken by authorities as a punitive measure against individuals accused or convicted of criminal offences.
“It is not a happy sight to see women, children and aged persons dragged to the streets overnight. Heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period,” observed the Bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan.
It is pertinent to note that the Bench, in its Order of September 2, 2024, requested counsels appearing for the parties to submit their suggestions to assist the court in formulating appropriate measures.
After carefully analysing these submissions, the court has now issued a set of guidelines aimed at addressing the concerns raised regarding ‘bulldozer actions’ by the authorities.
