Dr S Muralidhar questions disregard for Supreme Court orders targeting the homes of Muslims and demands strict accountability from officials acting outside judicial framework
NEW DELHI – Former Chief Justice of Odisha High Court and Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court Dr S Muralidhar has strongly criticised the ongoing bulldozer demolitions taking place in different states despite clear instructions from the Supreme Court. He described these actions as an unlawful trend that has been turned into a ‘symbol of justice’, with Muslims becoming its primary victims.
Speaking at the launch of Complete Justice: The Supreme Court Act 75 here on 27 August, Justice Muralidhar openly raised concerns over officials flouting the apex court’s orders. He stressed that the right to deliver justice rests only with the courts, not with bulldozers or political directives.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly given instructions to stop uncontrolled bulldozer action, but sadly, officials continue to ignore these directions,” he said. “Homes, particularly of accused persons from marginalised groups, are demolished without due process. This is not justice, this is destruction of lives,” he said.
Muslim families across several states have long alleged that bulldozer actions are being used selectively against their community, often after communal clashes or even peaceful protests. In many cases, their homes and shops are torn down without prior notice.
A resident of Uttar Pradesh, whose home was demolished earlier this year, told Clarion India: ‘We were not given any notice. My children and I stood on the road with our belongings. Is this the justice our Constitution promises?’
Justice Muralidhar warned that such unlawful demolitions strike at the very heart of India’s legal system. “The Supreme Court must keep a constant watch on whether its instructions are being followed. The use of mandamus should not just be symbolic but should ensure strict compliance,” he urged.
He further expressed grief that petitions challenging these illegal demolitions are not being listed on time in the court. “It is painful to see that people whose homes have been bulldozed wait endlessly for their case to be heard. Justice delayed here is truly justice denied,” he added.
Legal experts have also pointed out that bulldozer actions are being turned into a political tool. Senior advocate Mehmood Pracha told Clarion India: “It is evident that Muslims are being targeted. If a Hindu is accused of violence, rarely is his house touched. But when a Muslim is even suspected, entire families are thrown on the streets.”
Dr Muralidhar’s remarks have sparked debate among constitutional lawyers and human rights defenders. They argue that the judiciary must step in firmly to stop authorities from bypassing established legal procedures.
“Bulldozers cannot replace the Constitution. If the Supreme Court does not intervene decisively, the very fabric of justice will collapse,” said rights activist Arundhati Dhuru.
As bulldozer actions continue in several states, Muslim families remain fearful of losing their homes overnight, without trial or hearing. Justice Muralidhar’s call has once again reminded the nation that the Constitution, not bulldozers, must decide justice.
