NextFin news, New Delhi, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – Chief Justice of India B R Gavai stated that the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on bulldozer action delivered on November 13, 2024, gave him "immense satisfaction" as it addressed the human problems faced by families subjected to arbitrary demolitions.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, equated "bulldozer justice" to a lawless state where "might was right," and laid down clear pan-India guidelines to prevent arbitrary demolitions and protect citizens' fundamental rights.
Speaking at a felicitation event organized by a group of Supreme Court advocates on September 19, 2025, CJI Gavai recalled sharing the bench with Justice Viswanathan for about six months and emphasized that the judgment was centered on the hardships faced by innocent family members who were harassed merely due to their association with an accused individual.
He said, "One of the judgments, I think, which gave immense satisfaction to both of us was the bulldozer judgment. What was at the heart of the judgment was the human problems and the problems faced by human beings. The family being harassed only because they were part of the family of one of the members was either a criminal or an alleged criminal."
CJI Gavai also credited Justice Viswanathan equally for the authorship of the verdict, stating that although he was largely credited, equal recognition should be given to his colleague.
Further, the Chief Justice remarked on the role of the Chief Justice in the judicial system, noting that the length of tenure does not necessarily correlate with the efficiency of justice administration. He cited examples of former Chief Justices who made significant contributions despite short tenures.
He added that during his tenure, he focused on strengthening the justice delivery system, improving judicial infrastructure nationwide, and expediting appointments to high courts.
Additionally, CJI Gavai highlighted efforts to promote young advocates practicing before the Supreme Court, emphasizing that their experience at the apex court enhances efficiency at the high court level.
This verdict and the Chief Justice's remarks underscore the Supreme Court's commitment to upholding citizens' rights against arbitrary state actions and advancing judicial reforms.
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