Daily Briefing: A Supreme Court order brings hope; Revanth Reddy at Express Adda; and more

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Justice isn’t found on the tracks of a bulldozer – this is essentially what the Supreme Court underlined on Wednesday, as it came down heavily on the state’s demolition of properties without following due process.

What SC said: The apex court’s indictment of government’s use of “bulldozer justice” against those who are merely accused of a crime was unequivocal: “The chilling sight of a bulldozer demolishing a building, when authorities have failed to follow the basic principles of natural justice and have acted without adhering to the principle of due process, reminds one of a lawless state of affairs, where ‘might was right’.” 

It added if the “executive acts as a judge” and “inflicts a penalty of demolition”, it violates the principle of separation of powers inscribed in the Constitution.

Drawing a line: The bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan also laid down guidelines to be followed before properties are raised down. The court held that violation of these guidelines could lead to contempt proceedings and the officials ordering the demolition could be asked to pay for the restitution of the property themselves.

“At least now, their bulldozer will remain parked in the garage”

After the verdict, Opposition leaders from across the board slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that a bulldozer had become their symbol over the years. Meanwhile, BJP leaders said that they respect the decision of the apex court and that it was their responsibility to implement it.

A battle half-won: For those who lost their homes to such actions, the court’s rulings are only a battle half-won. From Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan, people are still struggling, awaiting fair compensation for the loss of their properties.

Only in Express

At the latest Express Adda in New Delhi, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “trying his level best to finish all Opposition states”, alleging that his office was diverting investments for Opposition-ruled states to Gujarat.

From the Front Page

A mega crackdown: The Andhra Pradesh government has kicked off a massive crackdown against social media activists and sympathisers of the opposition YSR Congress Party. Why? The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government claims that they “crossed a line” by posting derogatory content about “wives and daughters” of their leaders. Between November 6 and 12, the state police issued 680 notices, registered 147 cases and arrested 49 persons, The Indian Express has learnt.

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And Finally..

As India and Australia line up for the first Test at Perth next week, it will be a feast for fast-bowling connoisseurs as Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins weave some pacy magic. In an interaction with Indian Express, former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait raves about their skill-set and offers his views on which of the two is more difficult to face for batsmen.

In the latest episode of our 3 Things podcast, we discuss the two most important socio-political and economic crops of Maharashtra. Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Divya Goyal about the PM-SHRI scheme and its implementation in Punjab. Finally, we talk about Delhi entering the severe category of the Air Quality Index. Tune in!

That’s all for today.

Until tomorrow,

Ayesha Jain