SC hits brakes on bulldozer justice: While SP welcomes move, a look at major demolitions in Uttar Pradesh

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav, in an indirect attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, termed the Supreme Court's recent order stopping demolition of private properties owned by accused in criminal cases till October 1 as a break with “destructive politics”.

Political analysts say the bulldozing action in Uttar Pradesh began in 2017, soon after Adityanath took over as chief minister and introduced his zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals.

It made headlines in 2020 when the local administration razed the residence of gangster Vikas Dubey, who had killed eight policemen in Bikru village in Kanpur on the night of July 2. After eliminating Dubey and his gang, the police razed Dubey's house.

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“This was the first time that the bulldozing incident that earned the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister the title of 'Bulldozer Baba' came to light,” said Shashikanth Pandey, head of the political science department at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow.

WHEN THE BULLDOZER ACTION REACHED ITS PEAK

The 'bulldozer drive' in Uttar Pradesh reached its peak after the murder of Umesh Pal on February 24, 2023, which was linked to gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed. Pal, a key witness in the 2005 murder case of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Raju Pal, was allegedly murdered by Ahmed's men, including his son, to maintain their influence. Following this, Adityanath declared in the state assembly, “Mafia ko mitti mein mila doonga (I will reduce the mafia to dust).”

In response, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) launched a demolition drive focusing on properties linked to the accused. Among them was the house of Zeeshan Fatima, wife of Atiq's brother Ashraf, which authorities said was built on waqf land without proper ownership certificates. The house of another employee, Mohammed Ghulam, was also razed. Since 2020, the PDA has demolished six of Atiq's properties, including his two-storey house in Prayagraj's Chakia and his office, on the grounds that they were illegal structures on government land. Atiq and his brother Ashraf, both in prison, were murdered by three armed men on April 15, 2023, during a court-ordered medical visit.

Mafias and criminals are under pressure

Besides Ahmed, whose property worth Rs 350 crore was razed, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the action to other mobsters and criminals as well. Mafia boss Mukhtar Ansari's properties worth over Rs 194 crore were seized and several of his properties in Lucknow and other districts were demolished. The government also seized properties worth Rs 65 crore belonging to gangster Sunder Bhati and demolished illegal establishments belonging to him. The bulldozing policy was extended to other gangsters and criminals in the state, signalling the government's tough stance against organised crime.

RECENT DEMOLITION WORK

The latest bulldozing action took place in Ayodhya. On August 22, the district administration razed the shopping mall of Moid Khan in Bhadarsa town. The Samajwadi Party (SP) leader is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl. Earlier, on August 8, the district administration demolished Khan's bakery, which was built on a 280 square meter area. A part of it was built on the pond site.

SC’S BREAK

The Supreme Court recently ordered a halt to unauthorised demolition of private property across India by October 1. It will then again hear arguments against the “bulldozer justice”. The court dismissed concerns of the government, represented by Attorney General Tushar Mehta, that its order could affect legally authorised demolitions. “It will not be surprising if we ask you to wait until the next hearing,” a bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said.

SP calls it a victory against “destructive” politics

The SP welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory against the “destructive” policies that accompany the misuse of bulldozers.

Yadav said, “The Supreme Court decision has not only put an end to the bulldozer but also to the politics of those who misused it. Today, the wheels and steering of the bulldozer have fallen off, creating an identity crisis for those who used it as their emblem.”

He said: “Now neither the bulldozer nor the person operating it can continue. It is time to stop both. However, there is one big fear: Will they rename the bulldozer and find another way to misuse it?”