'No glorification, grandstanding of bulldozer justice': SC says no property demolition of any accused till Oct 1

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that glorification and grandstanding of bulldozer justice cannot be allowed in the country and directed that no bulldozer demolition of property of those accused of crime will be carried out across the country without its permission till October 1, the next date of hearing in the case.

"Even if there is one instance of an illegal demolition… it is against the ethos of our Constitution," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan observed. The top court, however, clarified that its order would not come in the way of taking action against any unauthorised construction on public roads, footpaths, among others even if they happen to be religious structures.

The top court was hearing petitions alleging properties of those accused of crime were being demolished in several states.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that a "narrative" was being built over demolition of properties. "Rest assured that outside noise is not influencing us," the bench told the senior law officer.

The apex court had in the last hearing observed that indulging in 'bulldozer justice' amounted to "running a bulldozer over the laws of the land." It had held that bulldozer actions are against the law and said involvement in crime is no ground for demolition of a property.

(With inputs from agencies)