Passing ‘bulldozer order’ was my most important one: CJI Gavai
As the term of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai comes to an end, he has been reflecting on his time in office and the judgments that have had the most significant impact. In a recent statement, CJI Gavai has revealed that his judgment against “bulldozer justice” is the one that he considers to be the most important of his tenure. This statement is a testament to the CJI’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of citizens.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the term “bulldozer justice,” it refers to the practice of demolishing the homes of individuals who have been accused or convicted of a crime. This practice has been criticized for being a form of collective punishment, where the family and loved ones of the accused or convicted individual are also punished, often without due process. CJI Gavai’s judgment against this practice is a significant milestone in the fight against arbitrary and excessive use of state power.
“How can a house be demolished just because a person is accused of a crime or convicted of it?” CJI Gavai asked, highlighting the fundamental unfairness of this practice. This question gets to the heart of the issue, which is that the demolition of a person’s home is a disproportionate response to a crime, and one that can have devastating consequences for the individual and their family.
The judgment against “bulldozer justice” is a significant one, as it recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that the state does not overstep its authority. It is a reminder that the rule of law must be upheld, and that the rights of individuals must be protected, even in the face of accusations or convictions.
CJI Gavai’s statement is also significant because it highlights the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens. The judiciary has a critical role to play in ensuring that the state does not abuse its power, and that the rights of individuals are protected. By speaking out against “bulldozer justice,” CJI Gavai is demonstrating his commitment to this principle, and setting an important precedent for future judgments.
As CJI Gavai prepares to retire on November 23, his legacy will be one of upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of citizens. His judgment against “bulldozer justice” will be remembered as a significant milestone in the fight against arbitrary and excessive use of state power. CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant will succeed him on November 24, and it is hoped that he will continue to build on the foundation laid by CJI Gavai.
The issue of “bulldozer justice” is a complex one, and it raises important questions about the balance between the need to maintain law and order, and the need to protect the rights of citizens. While the state has a legitimate interest in maintaining law and order, this interest must be balanced against the need to protect the rights of individuals. The demolition of a person’s home is a drastic measure that can have severe consequences, and it is only justified in the most extreme circumstances.
In recent years, there have been several instances of “bulldozer justice” being used as a tool of punishment, particularly in cases where individuals have been accused of crimes such as terrorism or rioting. However, this approach has been criticized for being arbitrary and excessive, and for violating the principles of justice and fairness.
CJI Gavai’s judgment against “bulldozer justice” is a significant step forward in the fight against this practice. By recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of citizens, and by emphasizing the need for proportionality and fairness in the application of the law, CJI Gavai has set an important precedent for future judgments.
In conclusion, CJI Gavai’s statement on the importance of his judgment against “bulldozer justice” is a significant one, and it highlights the importance of protecting the rights of citizens and upholding the principles of justice. As he prepares to retire, his legacy will be one of commitment to these principles, and his judgment against “bulldozer justice” will be remembered as a significant milestone in the fight against arbitrary and excessive use of state power.
News Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/order-against-bulldozer-justice-was-my-most-important-cji-gavai/story
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