In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India pronounced that the practice of demolishing homes of individuals accused or convicted of crimes is a violation of the law. The court emphasized that even if a person is accused or found guilty, it does not justify the destruction of their home.
The court underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, clarifying that bulldozer actions must be free of bias and discrimination. The justices stated that wrongful demolitions warrant compensation, and officials responsible should not be shielded from accountability. “After hearing all parties and considering expert recommendations, we have issued this directive,” the court noted.
In its judgment, the court questioned why an entire family should suffer due to the actions of one accused individual, asserting that demolishing a family’s home essentially penalizes everyone. “If the accused is just one person, why should the entire family be punished by losing their home?” the court asked, noting that this approach reflects a disregard for the legal principles intended to safeguard citizens.
Previously, the court had remarked that a home represents more than just a physical structure—it is a dream and a sanctuary. It further emphasized that authorities should not act out of prejudice when dealing with accused individuals and that misuse of government power in this regard is unacceptable. “The punishment for a crime does not extend to demolishing a home. No one’s home should be destroyed solely because they are accused,” the court concluded, establishing a precedent that limits the use of bulldozer demolitions in such cases.
