Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has vehemently condemned the practice of ‘bulldozer justice,’ calling it “barbaric” and urging for its cessation. This condemnation follows the recent demolition of a house in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, which has sparked widespread outrage and debate about the rule of law and justice.
In a powerful statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi criticized the practice where individuals’ homes are demolished as a form of punishment before any judicial verdict is rendered. She argued that such actions bypass the judicial process and violate principles of fairness and due process.
“If someone is accused of a crime, then only the court can decide his crime and punishment. But punishing the family of the accused as soon as the allegation is made, taking away the roof from their heads, not following the law, disobeying the court, and demolishing the house of the accused as soon as the allegation is made – this is not justice,” Priyanka Gandhi asserted. Her comments highlight a growing concern over the erosion of legal norms and human rights in the face of extrajudicial measures.
Priyanka further described ‘bulldozer action’ against alleged criminals as the “height of barbarism and injustice.” She emphasized that a clear distinction must be maintained between lawmakers, law enforcers, and lawbreakers. “The governments cannot behave like criminals,” she added, stressing that adherence to the law, Constitution, democracy, and basic human values are essential for civil governance.
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The Congress leader’s remarks came in the wake of a controversial incident in Madhya Pradesh. On Wednesday, following violent protests in Chhatarpur district, local administration officials demolished the house of Shahzad Ali, a Muslim man accused of participating in the unrest. The violence had erupted after Hindu seer Ramgiri Maharaj allegedly made derogatory remarks about Islam during a religious event in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. The protests led to injuries among police officers and damage to several vehicles.
The local administration’s decision to demolish Shahzad Ali’s home has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many seeing it as a punitive measure that bypasses judicial scrutiny and undermines legal procedures. Priyanka Gandhi’s statements reflect a broader discontent with what many view as a troubling trend of circumventing legal processes and using state machinery for punitive actions against individuals without due process.
Training her criticism on the ruling BJP, Priyanka Gandhi remarked, “One who cannot fulfil ‘rajdharma’ can neither work for the welfare of the society nor the country. Bulldozer justice is completely unacceptable; it must stop.” Her comments underscore a call for a return to legal norms and respect for democratic institutions in addressing grievances and administering justice.
The incident and the subsequent criticism have reignited discussions on the balance between maintaining public order and respecting individual rights. As the debate continues, Priyanka Gandhi’s call for an end to ‘bulldozer justice’ resonates with those advocating for a more just and lawful approach to governance and conflict resolution.
