Guwahati: Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has strongly condemned the rising trend of “bulldozer actions” by State authorities, where properties of accused individuals are demolished without a legal trial. Addressing law students at Bharatiya Vidyapeeth New Law College, Pune, Justice Bhuyan described such actions as a direct attack on the Constitution and the rule of law.
Justice Bhuyan emphasized that using bulldozers to demolish properties is akin to running a bulldozer over the Constitution, negating the concept of the rule of law and potentially dismantling the justice delivery system. He referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared such demolition drives illegal and set guidelines to prevent arbitrary destruction of properties.
The judge highlighted the violation of fundamental rights, particularly the right to a fair trial and the right to shelter under Article 21. He also pointed out the collateral damage inflicted upon innocent family members when the homes of accused individuals are demolished. “What is their fault? If you demolish that house, where will they go?” he questioned.
Justice Bhuyan stressed the need for judicial introspection and consistency in legal decisions, acknowledging that even Supreme Court judgments should be open to scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of a rights-based approach, urging that laws be applied consistently and without selective enforcement.
The judge advised law students to develop a critical and questioning mindset, rather than accepting judicial decisions at face value. “Critically analyze judgments, including those of the Supreme Court,” he urged. By doing so, Justice Bhuyan hopes to promote the evolution of jurisprudence and strengthen human rights in India.
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