Following the Supreme Court’s recent statement that properties belonging to accused individuals, even if convicted, can’t be demolished, BSP Chief Mayawati emphasized that family members should not be punished for the crimes of their relatives.
Mayawati, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, argued that action should be taken against officials who collude with criminal elements rather than punishing innocent family members.
She said, “Action against criminal elements should be taken according to the law, and their families should not be punished for their crimes. Our party’s government has demonstrated this by upholding the ‘Rule of Law by Law’.”
She further stressed, “Bulldozers should be used as per the Supreme Court’s decision. Instead of targeting the families and associates of criminals, strict action should be taken against officials who, by colluding with such elements, fail to provide justice to the victims. All governments should heed this.”
The Supreme Court indicated that it will establish guidelines concerning the recent use of bulldozers by governments to demolish properties. The Court stated that the property of an accused cannot be demolished, even if convicted, and questioned the legality of such practices.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan asked the involved parties to provide suggestions for creating nationwide guidelines. During the hearing, the Court questioned how demolition can be justified if someone is accused, noting that property cannot be demolished even after a conviction. However, the Court clarified that it would not protect illegal structures that obstruct public roads.
The Court emphasized that demolitions must be conducted according to the law and assured that it would address the issue, scheduling the next hearing for September 17.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that no property should be demolished solely based on someone’s involvement in a criminal case or conviction; such actions should only be taken under municipal laws.
The Court was reviewing several petitions related to the practice of using bulldozers to demolish properties. One petition highlighted the growing trend of illegal demolitions being used as extra-legal punishment, particularly targeting minorities and marginalized communities, and creating a troubling precedent.
