Rahul Gandhi hails SC observation, slams BJP's 'unjust bulldozer policy'

The anticonstitutional face of the BJP which has crushed humanity and justice under the bulldozer has now been exposed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday hailing the Supreme Courts observation on the demolition of houses of accusedWith several state administrations flattening the houses of those involved in criminal cases with bulldozers the apex court questioned how anybodys house could be demolished just because he is an accusedThe court said it will lay down the guidelines on the issue that would be enforceable across the countryIn a post in Hindi on X Gandhi who is Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the courts comment on the BJPs unconstitutional and unjust bulldozer policy is welcomeThe anticonstitutional face of BJP which has crushed humanity and justice under the bulldozer has now been exposed in front of the country Gandhi saidThe bulldozer which has become a symbol of unbridled power has constantly challenged the law with arrogance by crushing civil rights Gandhi saidIt is often the households of the Bahujans and the poor that come under the wheels of the bulldozer which is being run to establish the rule of fear under the guise of instant justice the former Congress chief saidWe expect that the Supreme Court will issue clear guidelines on this very sensitive issue and protect the citizens from this antidemocracy campaign of the BJP governmentsThe country will be run by Baba Sahebs Constitution not by the whip of power Gandhi addedWelcoming the top courts observation former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on X Principles like instant justice are not acceptable in a civilised and lawabiding society and are completely against the basic spirit of the ConstitutionThe Supreme Courts observation on the bulldozer culture that has begun in the country in recent years is welcome Running a bulldozer on the house of any accused is not justice his X post in Hindi readThe Congress leader added that he had expressed similar views against this culture publicly two years ago similar to those expressed by the apex court in the matter todayHearing the matter a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said How can anybodys house be demolished only because he is an accused Even if he is a convict still it cant be done without following the procedure as prescribed by lawThe court however said it would not protect any unauthorised construction or encroachment on public roadsSolicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Uttar Pradesh referred to an earlier affidavit filed by the state in the matterHe said the affidavit states that merely because a person was alleged to have been a part of some offence can never be a ground for demolition of his immovable propertyMehta said the state has said that demolition of immovable property can take place only for violation of and in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the respective applicable municipal law or law governing development authorities of the areaHe said no immovable property can be demolished solely on the ground that the owner or occupant of such property was involved in a criminal offenceStressing the need for formulating guidelines on the issue the bench said it was necessary to ensure that neither an individual takes advantage of a loophole nor authorities rely on lacunae