New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Saturday strongly criticized the growing trend of district administrations demolishing homes of crime accused without judicial oversight, warning that such actions threaten the core principles of the Constitution.
Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Goa High Court Bar Association, CJI Gavai expressed concern over executive overreach and the blatant disregard for due process. “Our Constitution recognizes the separation of powers between the executive, judiciary, and legislature,” he said. “If the executive begins to act as a judge, it strikes at the heart of this foundational concept.”
Justice Gavai referred to instances where homes were demolished even before trial proceedings began. “The court had to step in because houses were being razed without due legal procedure. These homes were not just of the accused but also of innocent family members who suffered for no fault of theirs,” he noted. “Even a convict is entitled to the rule of law. That principle is paramount in our country.”
His remarks come months after a Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, halted such “bulldozer actions” in November 2024, calling them unconstitutional.
Justice Gavai’s speech reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as the guardian of constitutional values amid growing concerns over executive excesses.
