Children sift through their school books after their homes were razed by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AFP file

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday sternly reprimanded states that have been demolishing properties of suspected criminals, a practice critics argue predominantly targets minority Muslims, and provided guidelines for authorities. The ruling was issued in response to numerous petitions filed following demolitions in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years. BJP administrations in these states have dismantled what they claim are illegal houses or shops of individuals accused of crimes, many of whom are Muslim, in a practice colloquially known as 'instant, bulldozer justice'.

Locals search for their belongings after their homes were demolished by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) as part of unauthorised construction, in Hyderabad on September 9, 2024. AFP file

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have condemned the practice, asserting it primarily targets impoverished Muslims while bypassing the judicial process. BJP governments have refuted these allegations, stating that such properties were in contravention of local laws and that the owners had been duly notified. On Wednesday, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court decreed that state officials cannot act arbitrarily against suspects or convicts without adhering to the due process of law. The court also established guidelines, including issuing prior notice and documenting the demolition process on video. 'It is not a pleasant sight to witness women, children, and elderly individuals being dragged into the streets overnight. The authorities would not suffer if they paused their actions for a brief period,' the court remarked. There was no immediate response from the BJP to the court's verdict.

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