New Delhi: In a sweeping act of demolition, over 15 lakh homes have been razed across various BJP-ruled states in India, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, displacing approximately 70 lakh people predominantly from Muslim communities. This widespread action, referred to as “bulldozer justice” by the Indian Supreme Court, has sparked significant legal and human rights concerns.
According to Kashmir Media Service, despite intermittent court interventions aimed at halting these demolitions, local authorities have persisted, often justifying their actions by labeling the structures as “illegal constructions.” Critics, however, argue that these measures are disproportionately aimed at Muslim settlements, with ongoing legal proceedings often disregarded in the rush to demolish.
The Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) reports alarming figures, indicating that from 2022 to 2023 alone, about 1,53,820 homes were destroyed, displacing over 7,38,438 individuals. The issue recently reached the Supreme Court, where a petition filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind among others challenged the justification of demolishing homes of individuals merely accused of crimes. The court critically questioned the practice, stressing that punitive actions should follow established legal procedures, not precede them.
As the Supreme Court deliberates on the potential for reversing the damages inflicted by these demolitions, millions remain in uncertainty about their future housing and the restoration of their rights. The ongoing legal battles underscore a broader struggle for justice and equity, especially for those targeted during these demolitions.