The Supreme Court’s ruling adds a crucial reminder: Justice must not only be served but seen to be done, lawfully and equitably.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – After Wednesday’s historic Supreme Court judgment against bulldozer action in several states, a question arises as to what will happen to the victims of the demolition drive in Akbar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh’s capital city of Lucknow. The drive by the Yogi Adityanath government bulldozed 1,800 houses displacing over 35,000 people.
The state government is considered a pioneer in using bulldozers against properties allegedly linked to criminal or controversial activities. This aggressive strategy sparked fierce debate across social media and political circles, with critics, civil rights activists, and now the Supreme Court, raising questions on the legality and ethicality of the operations.
The Supreme Court, ruling on a petition filed by Jamiat Ulema Hind, condemned the so-called “bulldozer justice,” stating that such acts undermine the principles of the rule of law. Emphasising that no government official should act with unchecked power, the court ordered that actions must comply with due process, and demolition should not be a punitive measure taken without proper legal procedure. “If wrongful action is taken, there will be consequences for the authorities involved,” the court warned, reiterating that any action against an individual should follow a legal process, including a 15-day notice period, and should not punish entire families for alleged offences of one member.
The massive demolition drive in Akbar Nagar has been described as the largest demolition operation in Asia. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, only a fraction of those affected received alternative housing. Protests erupted as thousands of families found themselves homeless overnight, and the intervention was marked by clashes between residents and police, with reports of a lathi-charge to disperse protesters. Many have since petitioned both the high court and the Supreme Court, yet relief has been limited.
Govt’s Accountability in Focus
Mohammad Naeem, a local social worker, expressed his concerns, stating, “The government has uprooted thousands of families without any alternative arrangements. Are we to live on the streets? The Supreme Court has spoken clearly, but will the state listen?” His words resonated across social media, as activists and affected families continue to seek answers.
The bulldozer operation has drawn allegations of political motivations, with accusations that some demolitions are acts of retribution rather than lawful enforcement. Among the controversial demolitions is that of the petrol pump owned by Shahjeel Islam, a Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA from Bhojpura, Bareilly. Islam, who faced backlash after making allegedly critical remarks against the chief minister, had his petrol pump reduced to rubble. The SP called it “an act of political revenge,” with an ongoing investigation into Islam’s other properties.
Bulldozers in Varanasi and Prayagraj
In Varanasi, five bulldozers were deployed to demolish two luxury hotels near the Varuna River, claiming encroachment on a green belt. The incident turned tense as hotel owners clashed with officials during the operation, sparking public outcry. ADM City Alok Kumar reportedly faced injuries during the scuffle.
In Prayagraj, the government demolished the house and petrol pump of Javed Ahmed, an accused in a protest-related violence. However, his wife Parveen Fatima challenged the demolition in the Allahabad High Court, claiming that the house was in her name, and thus, the demolition was illegal. Authorities maintained that the house was constructed without appropriate approval.
Demolition of Urdu Gate
The bulldozer drive did not spare high-profile political figures either. In March 2019, Azam Khan, a prominent SP leader, saw the demolition of an Urdu Gate at Johar University, which he had established during his tenure. Authorities claimed the gate, built at a cost of Rs 40 lakh, encroached on public land. The demolition further fuelled accusations that the ruling BJP government is targeting political opponents under the guise of anti-encroachment actions.
SC Ruling and Public Reaction
Following its recent judgment, the Supreme Court has taken a strict stance against arbitrary demolitions, reminding authorities that punitive action cannot bypass the judicial process. The court also stressed the need for compensation for those affected, urging that demolitions should not penalise families who may not be involved in the alleged crimes. The Supreme Court’s judgement has intensified scrutiny of UP’s bulldozer policy, sparking a broader debate on the line between law enforcement and punitive action.
Meanwhile, the residents of Akbar Nagar and other affected areas await clarity on potential rehabilitation. For thousands of families, the bulldozer operations have disrupted lives and destroyed property, leaving them in precarious situations. As Mohammad Naeem concluded, “We were promised justice and order, but this is a harsh reality. People are left homeless, and now the government must answer if it will resettle them or leave them on the streets.”
The bulldozer operations in Uttar Pradesh have now become a national issue, with increasing calls for policy review and government accountability, as well as for the state to find more humane methods of upholding law and order without undermining citizens’ rights to due process and shelter. The Supreme Court’s ruling adds a crucial reminder: Justice must not only be served but seen to be done, lawfully and equitably.