Brakes on bulldozer

IN recent years, the bulldozer has been all over the place, riding roughshod over laws, rules and procedures — especially in BJP-ruled states. People booked in cases of rioting and violence, particularly those belonging to a certain minority community, have seen their shanties and shops being flattened well before their guilt (or innocence) could be proved. In some cases, action has been taken without giving any notice to the accused. Such rare ‘efficiency’ of the authorities is nothing but a vengeful ploy to punish the accused and their families. The contentious exercise, which is carried out in full public view, is meant to send out a stern message to the entire community: Stay out of trouble or face the music.

Municipal laws mandate that unauthorised construction or encroachments on public land be razed. But the devil is in the timing and selectivity. Illegal structures come up right under the nose of the administration, which wakes up to the perennial problem mostly when a communal clash takes place. Making a welcome intervention, the Supreme Court has proposed to lay down guidelines to be implemented across the country to ensure that such demolitions stay within the legal ambit. The court has made it clear that even if someone is convicted, his or her house cannot be demolished without following the procedure prescribed by law.

The guidelines must include the provision of strict action against officials who bypass due process in their zealousness to show ‘results’ to their political masters. Proceedings should also be initiated against politicians who encourage illegal construction or promise to get it legalised in order to woo voters. The removal of encroachments ought to be a year-round activity, not restricted to the election season or confined to a section of the offenders. A pick-and-choose policy will only make the authorities lose credibility and embolden violators from the majority community.