Akhilesh Yadav, the president of the Samajwadi Party, praised the Supreme Court’s decision on September 17, 2024, to stop the demolition of private properties linked to individuals facing criminal charges, calling it a victory against the misuse of bulldozers in politics. He criticized the bulldozer as a symbol of destructive governance, implying that the ruling has created an identity crisis for Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who has embraced this symbol. Yadav expressed concerns that the government might find alternative ways to misuse bulldozers despite the Supreme Court’s intervention. The court’s order aims to protect individual rights while allowing demolitions related to public encroachments.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on September 17, 2024, has halted the demolition of private properties owned by individuals accused of crimes, marking a significant development in the ongoing discussion around the controversial use of bulldozers in Uttar Pradesh. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav hailed this decision as a triumph against what he refers to as the “destructive” politics that have characterized recent governance in the state.
Yadav stated that this ruling not only puts a stop to the bulldozer’s use but also creates an “identity crisis” for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has often associated himself with the bulldozer as a symbol of tough governance. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s order represents a significant shift away from a narrative that justifies demolitions as a form of justice.
However, while Yadav welcomed the ruling, he expressed concerns that the Uttar Pradesh government might find alternative ways to misuse demolition tactics. He warned that even though bulldozers may be sidelined, there are fears that similar actions could reappear under a different guise.
The Supreme Court’s directive follows widespread criticisms regarding the selective demolitions targeting specific communities, which have led many human rights activists to label these actions as tools of intimidation. The Court clarified that its ruling does not apply to demolitions involving public encroachments, such as those on roads or public spaces.
This ruling has sparked discussions across various segments of society, as citizens and political leaders alike reflect on the implications for governance and the protection of civil rights in Uttar Pradesh.
Published – September 18, 2024, 02:33 am IST.
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What is the Supreme Court’s recent order about bulldozers?
The Supreme Court ordered a halt to bulldozer actions, which means they cannot be used to demolish buildings without legal approval. -
Who is Akhilesh and what did he say about the order?
Akhilesh is a politician who said the Supreme Court’s order is a victory against harmful politics that destroy people’s homes. -
Why is the bulldozer action considered ‘destructive’?
Many people believe bulldozer actions can unfairly demolish homes and businesses, causing harm to communities without proper legal processes. -
What does this order mean for affected individuals?
It gives them some protection, ensuring that their homes cannot be destroyed without a fair legal process. - How has the public reacted to this Supreme Court order?
Many people support the order, seeing it as a positive step towards justice and protecting citizens from arbitrary actions.
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