IAMC Welcomes Indian Supreme Court’s Ban on Punitive Demolitions of Minority Properties
Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2024) – The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) today welcomed the Indian Supreme Court’s decision to ban punitive demolitions without prior notice, a practice that has frequently been employed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led state governments as a form of collective punishment targeting Muslims. This measure, often involving the bulldozing of homes, businesses, and places of worship, has been condemned for its discriminatory nature.
The ruling was delivered in response to multiple petitions challenging the use of “bulldozer justice,” a practice most prevalent in states governed by the BJP, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam and Rajasthan. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have denounced these demolitions as “a violation of international human rights law.”
Punitive demolitions have often been justified under the guise of removing “illegal encroachments,” but they are commonly wielded against Muslims who have been victims of mob violence or who participated in protests. The result has been widespread displacement, leaving thousands of families homeless and financially devastated.
The Supreme Court’s decision sharply criticized these actions, describing them as “simply unacceptable under rule of law.” The Court issued new guidelines requiring authorities to provide a minimum of 15 days’ notice and a clear justification for any demolition. Failure to comply with these guidelines will be considered contempt of court.
“We welcome this order by India’s Supreme Court against the bigoted and illegal practice of punitive demolitions,” said IAMC Executive Director Rasheed Ahmed. “The Indian judiciary must now ensure these guidelines are rigorously enforced, and the government must offer full compensation to the victims who have lost their ancestral homes, livelihoods, and places of worship to these unjust and discriminatory acts.”
IAMC also calls for the imposition of sanctions and other diplomatic measures against those facilitating these punitive demolitions, including militant monk and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as well as senior BJP officials.
For media inquiries or to speak with IAMC experts on the state of human rights and religious freedoms in India, please contact: media.info@iamc.com.
