‘Bulldozer Justice’ leaves trail of destruction, displaces millions of Muslims in India
New Delhi: Over 15 lakh homes have been demolished in India in the past two years, leaving 70 lakh people displaced, mostly Muslims, in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian Supreme Court has described these actions as “bulldozer justice.” Despite court interventions, demolitions continue, with authorities citing “illegal construction” as justification. However, many settlements were flattened even when legal processes were ongoing.
The demolitions have been carried out under the guise of punitive measures, but critics argue that they target specific religious communities, particularly Muslims. The Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) has compiled alarming statistics on these demolitions, revealing that from 2022 to 2023, approximately 1,53,820 homes were demolished, displacing over 7,38,438 people.
The Supreme Court recently heard a petition against bulldozer justice filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and others. The court questioned the rationale behind demolishing homes merely because the occupants were accused of a crime, emphasizing that punitive measures must be applied only after proper legal procedures are followed.
The question now remains: Will the Supreme Court’s observations lead to the rebuilding of the destroyed homes and the resettlement of the displaced victims? For millions of people, the hope of finding a new roof over their heads is uncertain, but the demand for justice remains strong. KMS-11K
