Critics argue the new guidelines, while progressive, do not provide restitution for families like Afreen Fatima’s, who have already suffered loss.
**Supreme Court Bans 'Bulldozer Justice' in India: A Double-Edged Sword for Victims**
**Supreme Court Bans 'Bulldozer Justice' in India: A Double-Edged Sword for Victims**
The court's ruling against arbitrary home demolitions raises questions about justice for past victims.
Afreen Fatima's narrative of loss encapsulates the struggle against 'bulldozer justice' in India, particularly for marginalized communities. In 2022, her childhood home in Prayagraj was demolished after her father, Javed Mohammad, was implicated in a protest that turned violent—claims he vehemently denies. Though the Supreme Court of India recently outlawed this practice, which critics argue unfairly targets Muslims, it stopped short of addressing compensation for those affected by past demolitions.
The term "bulldozer justice" has gained traction in recent years, particularly in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where the state routinely demolishes properties belonging to individuals accused of crimes. This swift action has led to a myriad of families becoming victims, suffering not just the loss of their homes but also the memories tied to them.
Despite welcoming the Supreme Court's ruling, which mandates due process and forewarning for demolitions, Afreen remains unsettled. “It feels like an adopted space,” she reflects on her new home, which lacks the sentimental history of her former residence. Her family longs for acknowledgment and reparations for their lost home, a situation echoed by many others in similar predicaments.
Reshma, another victim whose dwelling was demolished in Udaipur, highlights the stark reality faced by families like hers, who are left without shelter or support. Both Afreen and Reshma's families have sought justice through the courts but face prolonged delays with no hearings in sight.
Legal experts express cautious optimism that the Supreme Court's guidelines may bring reform to how such cases are handled, as they underline the necessity of adhering to the rule of law. Yet, for families who have already suffered, like Afreen's, the ruling feels inadequate.
Despite their struggles, Afreen’s father remains hopeful. He actively engages in discussions about the court's decision, pushing for awareness and change. As they navigate their rebuilding process, the Fatima family embodies resilience, striving to construct new memories even as they mourn their lost home. Their journey reflects a broader urgency for accountability and justice in a landscape marred by arbitrary state actions.
The term "bulldozer justice" has gained traction in recent years, particularly in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where the state routinely demolishes properties belonging to individuals accused of crimes. This swift action has led to a myriad of families becoming victims, suffering not just the loss of their homes but also the memories tied to them.
Despite welcoming the Supreme Court's ruling, which mandates due process and forewarning for demolitions, Afreen remains unsettled. “It feels like an adopted space,” she reflects on her new home, which lacks the sentimental history of her former residence. Her family longs for acknowledgment and reparations for their lost home, a situation echoed by many others in similar predicaments.
Reshma, another victim whose dwelling was demolished in Udaipur, highlights the stark reality faced by families like hers, who are left without shelter or support. Both Afreen and Reshma's families have sought justice through the courts but face prolonged delays with no hearings in sight.
Legal experts express cautious optimism that the Supreme Court's guidelines may bring reform to how such cases are handled, as they underline the necessity of adhering to the rule of law. Yet, for families who have already suffered, like Afreen's, the ruling feels inadequate.
Despite their struggles, Afreen’s father remains hopeful. He actively engages in discussions about the court's decision, pushing for awareness and change. As they navigate their rebuilding process, the Fatima family embodies resilience, striving to construct new memories even as they mourn their lost home. Their journey reflects a broader urgency for accountability and justice in a landscape marred by arbitrary state actions.
