New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai described the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict against “bulldozer justice” as one of the most satisfying of his career. Delivered on November 13, 2024, by a bench of Justices Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, the judgment addressed the illegal demolition of homes and shops without due legal process. The court called such actions a “lawless state of affairs where might was right” and set pan-India guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions.
Speaking at a recent felicitation event, Justice Gavai emphasised that the judgment was co-authored with Justice Viswanathan, acknowledging his colleague’s equal contribution. Reflecting on his tenure, he said the impact of a Chief Justice is measured by quality, not duration, citing examples of short-serving yet influential predecessors.
Justice Gavai also highlighted his efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure and expedite High Court appointments to reduce case backlogs. He stressed the importance of giving younger lawyers opportunities to argue in the Supreme Court, noting that it improves their skills and benefits the judiciary when they later serve as judges.
The “bulldozer justice” ruling has broader implications, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where demolition drives were often used as instant punishment bypassing due process. Human rights groups warned such actions targeted vulnerable communities and undermined the rule of law. The Supreme Court’s guidelines reinforce that no individual can be punished without legal procedure.
Justice Gavai’s remarks underscore the human impact of judicial decisions and highlight ongoing discussions about accountability, efficiency, and the role of young legal professionals in shaping India’s judiciary.
