“Supreme Court to Deliver Verdict on ‘Bulldozer Justice’ Today "

Supreme Court to Deliver Verdict: The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Wednesday, November 13, on pleas seeking to stop authorities' “bulldozer” action against accused persons as a punitive measure. The top court will decide on framing pan-India guidelines to prevent the “illegal” demolition of homes and other properties.

On October 1, the court extended its interim order, asking authorities to stop demolition drives until further orders were received.

The interim order did not apply to unauthorised constructions, including religious structures on roads and footpaths.

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The court also remarked that “public safety” is paramount, and no religious structure, be it a temple, dargah, or gurdwara, in the middle of the road can obstruct the public.

During the hearings, the court observed that being accused or convicted of a crime was no grounds for authorities to initiate bulldozer action against homes and shops.

“We are a secular country… Whatever we lay down… we lay down for all citizens. There cannot be a particular law for a particular religion. Unauthorised constructions belonging to members of any community have to go, no matter their religion or faith,” remarked Justice Gavai orally in court.

The top court stated they were mainly worried about misuse of municipal laws, nagar panchayats and municipal corporations had different laws.

While deliberating on framing pan-India guidelines, the court also suggested an online portal for awareness

The SC was considering petitions which highlighted and the nation's growing number of "bulldozer" incidents.

The petitioners also voiced concern that underprivileged communities are increasingly being "victimised" and the state is using this as an extra_legal form of punishment.

The plea further sought that officials who haven carried out such demolition be held accountable and that any demolition activity be conducted strictly in compliance and law.

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