Bull Dozer Justice Refer Material 25012025
Bull Dozer Justice Refer Material 25012025
1. Article 14: Equality before the law and equal protection of laws.
Analysis:
Judicial Precedents:
2. Ajay Maken v. Union of India (2019): Demolitions without adequate notice were
declared unconstitutional as they violate the right to shelter.
Conclusion:
“Bulldozer justice” violates fundamental rights and is an unconstitutional exercise of
executive power unless conducted strictly within the framework of law.
II. Whether Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule violates the constitutional right to
represent one’s constituency in extraordinary circumstances?
Relevant Provisions:
Analysis:
Conclusion:
While Paragraph 2(a) does not directly violate constitutional rights, its rigid application
in extraordinary circumstances may hinder effective representation, necessitating
judicial or legislative reforms for flexibility.
III. Whether the current procedure for the election of the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is constitutionally valid?
• Judicial Precedent: Cases like Nabam Rebia emphasize the impartiality and
procedural fairness of such elections.
Conclusion:
The procedure is valid if it aligns with constitutional principles and legislative rules.
IV. Whether the broad definition of “unlawful” and “terrorist activities” under
UAPA, denial of bail, and prolonged pre-trial detention are consistent with
fundamental rights?
Relevant Provisions:
1. Article 14: Arbitrary application of UAPA can violate equality before the law.
2. Article 21: Right to life and liberty, including the right to a fair trial.
3. UAPA, Sections 15 and 43D(5): Provide broad definitions and restrict bail.
1. Broad Definitions: Terms like "terrorist activity" and "unlawful association" are
vague, leading to potential misuse (Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, 2015).
2. Denial of Bail: Section 43D(5) imposes stringent bail conditions, which may lead
to indefinite detention without trial (Gautam Navlakha v. NIA, 2021).
3. Prolonged Detention: Violates the right to speedy trial guaranteed under Article
21 (Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar, 1979).
Judicial Observations:
1. Mohammed Zubair v. Union of India (2022): Courts have urged caution in the
arbitrary use of preventive detention laws.
2. K. A. Najeeb v. Union of India (2021): The Supreme Court granted bail under
UAPA, holding that indefinite detention without trial violates Article 21.
Conclusion:
The broad definitions under UAPA, coupled with denial of bail and prolonged detention,
raise serious concerns about their consistency with fundamental rights, necessitating
stricter judicial oversight and legislative review.
Study -2
Legal Analysis:
Judicial Precedents:
Conclusion:
The practice of "bulldozer justice" violates Articles 14, 21, and 300A unless strict
adherence to legal procedures and impartiality is ensured. It constitutes an
unconstitutional exercise of executive power.
II. Whether Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule violates the constitutional right to
represent one’s constituency in extraordinary circumstances?
Legal Analysis:
o The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Amendment (1985), aims to curb
political defections. Paragraph 2(a) provides for disqualification when a
legislator voluntarily gives up party membership.
2. Extraordinary Circumstances:
Conclusion:
While Paragraph 2(a) is constitutionally valid, its rigid application during extraordinary
circumstances may stifle effective representation, warranting a case-by-case approach
or reforms.
III. Whether the current procedure for the election of the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is constitutionally valid?
Legal Analysis:
1. Constitutional Basis:
o Articles 178 and 179 govern the election of the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker, while Article 208 allows the Assembly to frame its rules.
2. Judicial Interpretation:
o Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016): The Supreme Court underscored
the Speaker’s impartiality and the need for procedural integrity in
elections.
Conclusion:
The procedure is valid as long as it complies with constitutional mandates and respects
democratic principles. Any deviation may invite judicial review.
IV. Whether the broad definition of “unlawful” and “terrorist activities” under
UAPA, denial of bail, and prolonged pre-trial detention are consistent with
fundamental rights?
1. Broad Definitions:
o Case Reference: Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021): The Supreme Court
granted bail, holding that fundamental rights cannot be eclipsed by
statutory restrictions.
3. Prolonged Detention:
Conclusion:
The UAPA’s broad definitions, denial of bail, and prolonged detention pose serious
challenges to fundamental rights. Judicial intervention and legislative reforms are
necessary to align the law with constitutional principles.
Final Observations:
1. For "bulldozer justice", the government must ensure actions adhere to due
process and constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.
4. For UAPA, a balance between national security and individual rights must be
struck, with the judiciary playing a critical role in safeguarding freedoms.
Let me know if you need further assistance or detailed analysis of specific judgments.
Study - 3
o Article 300A (Right to Property): While not a fundamental right, the right
to property is protected under this constitutional provision. "Bulldozer
justice" often involves the destruction of property without proper
compensation or legal justification, potentially violating this right.
II. Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule and the Right to Represent Constituency
• "Extraordinary Circumstances":
o Courts may need to balance the need for political stability with the right of
elected representatives to freely exercise their conscience and represent
their constituents.
o However, there have been instances where courts have interpreted the
law narrowly to protect the freedom of expression and dissent of elected
representatives.
III. Constitutionality of the Procedure for Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
• Current Procedure: The procedure for electing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker
is generally outlined in the respective State Legislative Assembly Rules.
• Constitutional Validity:
o Case law on the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is limited.
o The UAPA provides for stringent bail conditions, making it difficult for
accused individuals to secure release.
o Article 14 (Equality before Law): The broad powers under the UAPA can
potentially lead to discriminatory application and unequal treatment.
o Courts have emphasized the need for a balanced approach that protects
national security while safeguarding individual rights.
o Courts have also stressed the importance of ensuring that the UAPA is not
misused to suppress dissent.
Study - 4
▪ Cases:
▪ Cases:
▪ Cases:
o Cases:
▪ S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): This case reaffirmed the
doctrine of separation of powers and emphasized the importance
of judicial review in upholding constitutional values.
II. Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule and the Right to Represent Constituency
• Cases:
o Ravi v. State of Bihar (1999): This case dealt with the interpretation of
"voluntary resignation" under the anti-defection law.
III. Constitutionality of the Procedure for Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker
• Cases:
• Cases:
o Asif Iqbal Tanha v. Union of India (2020): This case raised concerns
about the broad powers under the UAPA and the potential for misuse.
o Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): This case emphasized the
importance of protecting fundamental rights, including freedom of
expression and personal liberty.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list of relevant case law. The specific legal and
factual context of each case is crucial for proper analysis.
Note:
• It is essential to consult with legal databases and academic journals for the most
up-to-date information and legal analysis.
• This information is for general knowledge and discussion purposes only and
does not constitute legal advice.
Study - 5
- **Procedural Illegalities**
- Discriminatory implementation
2. **Landmark Judgments**
1. **Judicial Interpretations**
The recent guidelines issued by the Supreme Court aim to prevent the misuse of
power by the executive and ensure that demolitions are carried out in a fair and
transparent manner ¹. These guidelines include providing advance notice,
conducting a hearing, and justifying the demolition order.
Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the
disqualification of members of Parliament and state legislatures. While it does not
directly violate the constitutional right to represent one's constituency, it can be
argued that it restricts this right in extraordinary circumstances, such as
widespread civil unrest and political instability.
However, the Constitution provides adequate safeguards to ensure that the rights
of members are protected. The Supreme Court has also upheld the validity of
Paragraph 2(a) in various judgments, emphasizing the need to maintain the integrity
of the legislative process.
The current procedure for the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the
Legislative Assembly is governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in the Legislative Assembly. While there may be variations in the
procedures adopted by different state legislatures, the basic principles of fairness,
transparency, and democratic accountability are generally adhered to.
The Supreme Court has also upheld the validity of the election procedures in
various judgments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity and
integrity of the legislative process.
The denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention without formal charges are also
concerns that have been raised in various judgments. The Supreme Court has
emphasized the need to balance national security concerns with the protection of
fundamental rights, including the right to liberty and the right to a fair trial ¹.
I'll provide more detailed information and judgments on each of the topics.
The practice of "bulldozer justice" in Uttar Pradesh, where the state government
has been demolishing properties of individuals accused of crimes, has raised
concerns about violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian
Constitution.
The Supreme Court has consistently held that the right to life and liberty under
Article 21 is not limited to mere animal existence, but includes the right to live with
dignity. The demolition of homes and properties without due process can be seen
as a violation of this right.
In the case of Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), the Supreme
Court held that the right to life includes the right to livelihood, and that the
demolition of homes without providing alternative accommodation can be a
violation of this right.
The practice of "bulldozer justice" has also been criticized for being arbitrary and
discriminatory. The Supreme Court has held that the right to equality under Article
14 includes the right to equal treatment under the law.
In the case of State of West Bengal vs. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952), the Supreme Court
held that the state cannot discriminate between individuals or groups, and that any
action taken by the state must be based on reasonable classification.
In the case of Ajay Maken vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2022), the Supreme Court
directed the Uttar Pradesh government to follow the guidelines laid down in the
case of Almitra Patel vs. Union of India (2000), which included providing advance
notice and conducting a hearing before carrying out demolitions.
Paragraph 2(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the
disqualification of members of Parliament and state legislatures. The provision
states that a member shall be disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of
the party which they represented in the election.
Constitutional Validity
The constitutional validity of Paragraph 2(a) has been challenged in various cases,
with some arguing that it restricts the right to freedom of speech and expression
under Article 19(1)(a) and the right to represent one's constituency.
However, the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of Paragraph 2(a) in various
judgments, emphasizing the need to maintain the integrity of the legislative
process.
In the case of Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court held that
Paragraph 2(a) is a reasonable restriction on the right to freedom of speech and
expression, as it seeks to prevent defections and maintain the stability of the
government.
While Paragraph 2(a) may restrict the right to represent one's constituency in
certain circumstances, the Constitution provides adequate safeguards to ensure
that the rights of members are protected.
In the case of Ravi S. Naik vs. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court held that the
right to represent one's constituency is not an absolute right, and that the
Constitution provides mechanisms for dealing with situations where a member's
actions may be in conflict with the interests of their constituency.
The election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is
governed by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative
Assembly.
Constitutional Validity
The constitutional validity of the election procedure has been challenged in various
cases, with some arguing that it is arbitrary and lacks transparency.
However, the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the election procedure in
various judgments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the dignity and
integrity of the legislative process.
In the case of Kuldip Singh vs. State of Punjab (1989), the Supreme Court held that
the election procedure for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is a matter of internal
procedure of the House, and that the courts should not interfere with it unless
there is a clear violation of the Constitution or the rules of the House.
The UAPA is a law aimed at preventing and punishing terrorist activities. However,
its provisions have been criticized for being overly broad and vague, leading to
concerns about misuse and abuse of power.
The UAPA defines "unlawful" and "terrorist activities" in broad terms, which can
The UAPA defines "unlawful" and "terrorist activities" in broad terms, which can be
misused to target individuals and groups exercising their fundamental rights.
In the case of Arup Bhuyan vs. State of Assam (2011), the Supreme Court held that
the definition of "terrorist activity" under the UAPA is overly broad and can be
misused to target innocent individuals.
In the case of National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009), the
Supreme Court held that the denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under
the UAPA can be unconstitutional if it is not justified by the circumstances of the
case.
The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the misuse of the UAPA and
ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. These guidelines include:
• The UAPA should only be used to target genuine terrorist activities, and not
to target innocent individuals or groups.
• The denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under the UAPA should
be justified by the circumstances of the case.
In the case of Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019),
the Supreme Court held that the UAPA should be used in a manner that balances
the need to prevent terrorist activities with the need to protect the rights of
individuals.
In conclusion, while the UAPA is a law aimed at preventing and punishing terrorist
activities, its provisions can be misused to target individuals and groups exercising
their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the
misuse of the UAPA and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.
References:
• State of West Bengal vs. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952) SCR 284
• Ajay Maken vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2022) SCC Online SC 145
• National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009) 6 SCC 767
• Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019) SCC
Online SC 1004
The UAPA defines "unlawful" and "terrorist activities" in broad terms, which can be
misused to target individuals and groups exercising their fundamental rights.
In the case of Arup Bhuyan vs. State of Assam (2011), the Supreme Court held that
the definition of "terrorist activity" under the UAPA is overly broad and can be
misused to target innocent individuals.
The UAPA also provides for the denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention,
which can be misused to target individuals and groups.
In the case of National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009), the
Supreme Court held that the denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under
the UAPA can be unconstitutional if it is not justified by the circumstances of the
case.
The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the misuse of the UAPA and
ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. These guidelines include:
• The UAPA should only be used to target genuine terrorist activities, and not
to target innocent individuals or groups.
• The denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under the UAPA should
be justified by the circumstances of the case.
In the case of Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019),
the Supreme Court held that the UAPA should be used in a manner that balances
the need to prevent terrorist activities with the need to protect the rights of
individuals.
In conclusion, while the UAPA is a law aimed at preventing and punishing terrorist
activities, its provisions can be misused to target individuals and groups exercising
their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the
misuse of the UAPA and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.
References:
• State of West Bengal vs. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952) SCR 284
• Ajay Maken vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2022) SCC Online SC 145
• National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009) 6 SCC 767
• Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019) SCC
Online SC 1004
The UAPA defines "unlawful" and "terrorist activities" in broad terms, which can be
misused to target individuals and groups exercising their fundamental rights.
In the case of Arup Bhuyan vs. State of Assam (2011), the Supreme Court held that
the definition of "terrorist activity" under the UAPA is overly broad and can be
misused to target innocent individuals.
The UAPA also provides for the denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention,
which can be misused to target individuals and groups.
In the case of National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009), the
Supreme Court held that the denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under
the UAPA can be unconstitutional if it is not justified by the circumstances of the
case.
• The UAPA should only be used to target genuine terrorist activities, and not
to target innocent individuals or groups.
• The denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under the UAPA should
be justified by the circumstances of the case.
In the case of Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019),
the Supreme Court held that the UAPA should be used in a manner that balances
the need to prevent terrorist activities with the need to protect the rights of
individuals.
In conclusion, while the UAPA is a law aimed at preventing and punishing terrorist
activities, its provisions can be misused to target individuals and groups exercising
their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the
misuse of the UAPA and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.
References:
• State of West Bengal vs. Anwar Ali Sarkar (1952) SCR 284
• Ajay Maken vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2022) SCC Online SC 145
• National Human Rights Commission vs. State of Gujarat (2009) 6 SCC 767
• Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019) SCC
Online SC 1004
In the case of Daya Shankar Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2018), the Supreme
Court held that the admission of certain statements as evidence under the UAPA
can be unconstitutional if it violates the right to a fair trial.
The UAPA also raises concerns about the right to life and liberty. The Act provides
for the detention of individuals without trial, which can be used to target
individuals and groups.
In the case of A.K. Roy vs. Union of India (1982), the Supreme Court held that the
detention of individuals without trial under the UAPA can be unconstitutional if it
violates the right to life and liberty.
The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the misuse of the UAPA and
ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. These guidelines include:
• The UAPA should only be used to target genuine terrorist activities, and not
to target innocent individuals or groups.
• The denial of bail and prolonged pre-trial detention under the UAPA should
be justified by the circumstances of the case.
In the case of Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019),
the Supreme Court held that the UAPA should be used in a manner that balances
the need to prevent terrorist activities with the need to protect the rights of
individuals.
In conclusion, while the UAPA is a law aimed at preventing and punishing terrorist
activities, its provisions can be misused to target individuals and groups exercising
their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the
misuse of the UAPA and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.
References:
• Daya Shankar Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2018) SCC Online SC 1049
• A.K. Roy vs. Union of India (1982) 2 SCC 272
• Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali vs. State of Jammu and Kashmir (2019) SCC
Online SC 1004
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, the four issues discussed above raise important concerns about the
protection of fundamental rights in India. The practice of "bulldozer justice" raises
concerns about the right to life and liberty, while the UAPA raises concerns about
the right to a fair trial and the right to life and liberty. The election of the Speaker
and Deputy Speaker raises concerns about the right to equality, while Paragraph
2(a) of the Tenth Schedule raises concerns about the right to freedom of speech
and expression.
The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to prevent the misuse of power and
ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. However, more needs to be done
to ensure that the fundamental rights of individuals are protected in India.
References:
• The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha, 1952