Former Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice-Chancellor and retired Army General Zameer Uddin Shah has moved the Supreme Court of India, urging intervention in ongoing petitions against the controversial practice of demolition used as a punitive measure. Shah’s application criticizes this practice, commonly referred to as “bulldozer justice,” as a form of extrajudicial punishment, particularly targeting Muslims without proper legal procedures, reported The Hindustan Times.
Shah, who served as AMU Vice-Chancellor from 2012 to 2017 and retired as Deputy Chief of Army Staff in 2008, claims that such demolitions are carried out without due process, including the issuance of show cause notices or opportunities for judicial review. His application, submitted through Advocate Prashant Bhushan, highlights that these actions often disproportionately affect the Muslim community and are more akin to “extrajudicial executions” rather than legitimate legal actions.
The Supreme Court had previously announced on September 2 that it would establish guidelines to regulate property demolitions nationwide. This decision came amidst growing concerns over local authorities using demolitions as a punitive measure against individuals accused of crimes. Shah’s application will be addressed by the Court on September 18, alongside other petitions filed by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and various organizations seeking clearer regulations and procedural safeguards against such practices.
On September 12, the Supreme Court expressed its disapproval of the increasing use of demolitions as a punitive tool, describing it as “inconceivable in a nation where law is supreme” and warning that if left unchecked, this practice could undermine the rule of law.
In response to these developments, petitioners have called for mandatory show cause notices prior to any demolition, along with a minimum period of two months for individuals to respond and the right to appeal such actions in court.
