New Delhi:In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of India struck down the practice of 'bulldozer justice,' where state authorities demolished properties of those accused of crimes, often without legal due process. The bench, led by Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan, emphasised that the executive cannot replace the judiciary, and legal proceedings must respect the presumption of innocence.

The heart of the ruling centred on the concept of 'home.' The Court highlighted that a house is not just property but a symbol of dignity, security, and belonging. Taking away someone's home must be justified through legal procedures, and only if no other option exists.
The ruling was informed by legal precedents, including Lord Denning's famous statement on the sanctity of a person's shelter. The Court condemned the practice of demolishing homes without due process as a violation of fundamental rights, particularly affecting marginalised communities. It also stressed that any state action against shelter must follow the principles of justice and due process.

To ensure accountability, the judgement stated that officials involved in illegal demolitions would face contempt proceedings and be required to restore the demolished properties at their own expense.

This verdict stands as a powerful reminder that justice cannot be delivered through arbitrary state action and must always be rooted in the law, protecting the dignity of all citizens, especially the vulnerable.