Supreme Court Stops Bulldozer Demolitions: Ajay Rai, Mayawati, and Akhilesh Yadav React

On Wednesday, Congress Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to halt property demolitions until October 1. He emphasized that taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable and that the judiciary exists to handle such matters.

Ajay Rai stated, “We welcome this decision wholeheartedly. The Supreme Court has halted all bulldozer demolitions. I believe those who are pleased with bulldozer demolitions lack empathy. You cannot take the law into your hands; there is a judiciary to enforce it.”

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, urged the Centre to establish uniform guidelines for the use of bulldozers in demolitions. She stressed that the absence of such guidelines had led to the Supreme Court’s intervention.

Mayawati wrote in a post on X, “Despite bulldozer demolitions not being a rule of law, the growing trend of their use is concerning. However, when the general public disagrees with bulldozer actions or any other issue, the Centre should step in and create uniform guidelines for the entire country, which is currently not happening.”

The Supreme Court’s recent order directed that no property demolitions should take place anywhere in India without the Court’s permission until October 1. This order does not apply to unauthorized constructions on public roads, footpaths, and similar areas.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for halting bulldozer demolitions across India until October 1 without its permission. He stated, “Bulldozers do not represent justice. The use of bulldozers was unconstitutional, meant to intimidate people. It was deliberately used to suppress opposition voices. I thank the Supreme Court for its order stopping bulldozers.”

Yadav further described bulldozers as a “symbol of injustice.” He added, “Now, with the Supreme Court’s direction, I believe bulldozers will be halted, and justice will be served through the courts. A bulldozer can be a symbol of injustice, not justice.”