'Not a blanket bar': Supreme Court clarifies bulldozer order

The Supreme Court clarified its Nov 2024 judgement does not ban bulldozers for removing illegal constructions on public land if municipal procedure is followed.

The Court refused to hear individual contempt petitions; jurisdictional High Courts will conduct fact-finding to check if authorities acted arbitrarily.

Bulldozers targeted only accused persons' properties while ignoring nearby illegal constructions, the Court said, criticizing the 'pick-and-choose' policy.

Justice Bagchi said bulldozers are needed when rule of law is thwarted, but authorities must not single out individuals based on criminal accusations.

The 2024 procedure requires notice, 15 days to respond, hearing, final order, and 15 days to appeal before demolition.