The Supreme Court came down heavily on the policy of punishing the whole community for riots and disturbances in an area. Now comes the newest strategy of swift demolition of so called rioters' homes based on police reports without following due process of law. Any illegal construction to be razed must follow notice, time for response and court intervention. The state should not usurp powers for itself in summary justice.
Whatever be the magnitude, nature of the most despicable crime does the whole family have to bear the brunt of medieval justice? How long the illegal structure had been standing and what the authorities had been doing? How was the occupancy certificate, water and electricity connections issued to perpetuate illegality? Is this the only illegal structure in the vicinity or is it selective targeting of religious minority?
Here in Goa under BJP rule a structure belonging to a high profile supporter and in a heritage site is still to be razed with legal directions to do so and prolonged massive protests. It smacks of double standards in two BJP-ruled states which are an eyesore.
