Last Updated on November 15, 2024 1: 05pm
GUWAHATI: Former MP from Dhubri, Assam and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) supremo Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court ruling against the unlawful use of bulldozers for demolishing homes without due process.
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The Supreme Court on November 13, pronounced the verdict on ‘bulldozer justice’ and laid down pan-India guidelines on demolition of properties.
While announcing the verdict, the SC made it clear that “the executive cannot replace the judiciary in core function.”
The rule of law provides a framework to ensure individuals know their property will not be taken away arbitrarily, the SC bench said while adding that demolition drive without proper notice is “unconstitutional”.
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In a statement here on Thursday, Ajmal said the SC verdict explicitly warned state governments against assuming judicial authority by using demolitions as punitive measures based on political or religious bias. It declared that such demolitions, especially when politically motivated or targeting specific religious groups, violate constitutional rights.
Ajmal appreciated the verdict, calling it a rebuke to states that celebrate bulldozer actions against accused individuals. “No government has the right to demolish a family’s home based on mere allegations,” he said asserting that penalizing entire families for one person’s alleged actions is unjust.
Ajmal described the court verdict as a victory for justice and a reminder that the government must uphold legal procedures and respect citizens’ property rights. He highlighted the court’s recognition of a family’s effort in building a home and underscored that fair treatment aligns with India’s democratic values.
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Ajmal added that the ruling brings hope to the people of Assam, where he claims the BJP-led government has targeted Muslim homes with bulldozers. He announced plans to petition the court for justice and compensation for those affected by such actions in Assam, basing his case on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Ajmal also expressed gratitude to Maulana Syed Mahmood Asad Madani, National President of Jamiat Ulema Hind, for initiating the court petition that led to this ruling, which he believes will have positive, long-term impacts.
He concluded by stating that the ruling will not only aid victims but also restrain authoritarian practices by some state governments. Furthermore, government officers involved in unlawful demolition actions may be held accountable, as the court ruled they could face salary deductions to compensate victims if guidelines are violated.