Chandigarh (National Times): The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Monday sought a response from the Punjab Government and other relevant authorities regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the alleged bulldozer action taken by Punjab Police to demolish properties of suspected drug peddlers.
The PIL argues that such actions violate guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, which prohibit demolishing homes or properties merely because individuals are accused or convicted of crimes. It also raises concerns about the implementation of provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in such cases.
The move comes after reports surfaced on February 28 stating that Punjab Police had been demolishing properties linked to alleged drug suppliers as part of their crackdown on narcotics. Last week, Ludhiana city police claimed to have razed illegal constructions linked to two drug peddlers and announced plans to demolish 78 more such properties.
In response to the PIL, the High Court has issued notices to the Punjab Government, Secretary of the Punjab Transport Department, Commissioner of Ludhiana Police, and Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh.
The Supreme Court had earlier, in November 2023, ruled against the growing trend of “bulldozer justice”, emphasizing that the executive cannot demolish properties solely on the basis of accusations or convictions.
With the High Court now demanding a response, the Punjab government will have to clarify its legal basis for the demolition drive and its alignment with constitutional and judicial directives.
