New Delhi, Sep 3: A troubling trend of state governments and local authorities demolishing homes and properties of individuals accused of crimes is rapidly spreading across the country. A significant portion of these demolitions has been observed to disproportionately target religious minorities, particularly Muslims, under the guise of what is now being termed “Bulldozer Justice.”
Malik Motasim Khan, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), has expressed deep concern over this undemocratic and unjust practice. He welcomed the recent observations made by the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, who, during hearings on petitions against such demolitions, affirmed that properties cannot be destroyed merely because they belong to individuals accused of crimes.
Khan urged the Supreme Court to establish clear guidelines on this issue that would be applicable nationwide. He emphasized the need for these guidelines to be strictly adhered to by all authorities to prevent further instances of what he described as “Bulldozer Injustice.” Additionally, he called for the apex court to ensure that victims of these illegal demolitions receive adequate compensation and that the officials responsible for these actions are held accountable and punished.
“We stand with the Supreme Court in their assertion that demolishing properties simply because their owners are accused of a crime is unlawful. We hope the Court’s forthcoming guidelines will bring an end to this unjust practice,” said Khan.
