Supreme Court shifts 'bulldozer justice' contempt pleas to High Courts for factual inquiry
The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of contempt petitions alleging continued instances of 'bulldozer justice' by states to respective High Courts. A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, reasoned that High Courts are better equipped to conduct the necessary in-depth factual inquiries for such cases. The Court reiterated its November 2024 judgment, which declared illegal demolitions without due process as an 'arbitrary use of power' and a 'lawless state of affairs,' emphasizing the state's inability to engage in retributive action. Interim protections granted by the Supreme Court in these cases will continue.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court transferred contempt petitions regarding 'bulldozer justice' to State High Courts.
- The decision was based on the High Courts' suitability for conducting detailed factual inquiries into disputed facts.
- The Court reaffirmed its November 2024 judgment, which deemed illegal demolitions without due process an 'arbitrary use of power'.
- The judgment stressed that the State cannot engage in retributive action and must adhere to due process.
- Interim protections previously granted by the Supreme Court will remain in effect.
Exam Facts
- Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
- The ruling refers to the SC's November 2024 judgment on illegal demolitions.
- Justice S.V. Mohana was also part of the Bench.
- The decision aims to streamline the adjudication of fact-intensive contempt pleas.
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