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Supreme Court Reinforces Due Process: Curbing “Bulldozer Justice” with Strict Guidelines Background In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has set out guidelines to curb arbitrary demolitions, commonly referred to as "bulldozer justice." This term has emerged from instances where properties of individuals accused of crimes have been demolished without following due legal process. The ruling responds to several petitions highlighting the destruction of residential and commercial properties without prior notice, which, according to petitioners, targets marginalized and minority communities. Key Principles Addressed The Supreme Court’s decision rests on critical constitutional principles, particularly the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights . The Court emphasized that no person should be punished without due process and that arbitrary action by the executive undermines citizens’ trust in the justice system. Justice Gavai, in del...

SC Dismisses Petitions to Review Article 370 Verdict The Supreme Court has dismissed petitions seeking a review of its judgment that upheld the Union government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. The five-judge Constitution bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and AS Bopanna, dismissed the review petitions in chamber, noting no apparent error in the original verdict delivered on December 11, 2022. Supreme Court's Decision on Review Petitions On May 1, the Supreme Court stated, "Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. There is no case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed." This ruling reaffirmed the court's earlier decision that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, labeling it a "tempor...