The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a temporary halt on unauthorised bulldozer actions against private companies across the country, extending the suspension until October 1. This comes in response to the government's concerns that legally sanctioned demolitions could be affected.
A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan remarked, "The heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till the next hearing." The court made it clear, however, that this pause does not apply to unauthorised structures built on public roads, footpaths, or similar public spaces.
The order was issued during the hearing of petitions challenging the practice of "bulldozer justice," where authorities demolish homes of individuals accused of criminal activities. The court had previously condemned this practice, emphasizing that such actions were being glorified by various state governments.
The court also warned that any further demolition activity without its explicit approval could lead to involvement of the Election Commission, as upcoming elections are scheduled in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand.