GENEVA - India must immediately put an end to its practice of arbitrary and punitive demolitions affecting low-income households, minorities and migrants, independent human rights experts* warned today.
"Arbitrary demolitions carried out for purportedly punitive reasons are an aggravated form of human rights violation, and are especially egregious when they target or discriminate against minorities or marginalised communities," the experts said.
"Demolitions must never lead to homelessness and displacement, and those evicted must have access to adequate alternative housing, resettlement and compensation for any lost housing and property."
Despite the Indian Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind vs. Union of India and Others, which explicitly established procedural safeguards against arbitrary demolitions, these practices persist.
The experts noted the ruling was a welcome response to a number of petitions, including from Special Procedures mandate holders, seeking action against State authorities using demolition as a punitive measure against individuals accused of criminal conduct. "While victims of what has come to be known as 'bulldozer justice' include Hindu families, Muslim communities have been disproportionately targeted, particularly after religious violence or protests," they said.
The experts pointed out that authorities frame these actions as part of broader 'anti-encroachment campaigns', and justify them by citing vague concerns of 'national security', and allegations about the presence of 'illegal immigrants'. Yet, demolitions are routinely carried out without any investigation into the basis of such claims, they said.
"The communities impacted are not provided with adequate and reasonable notice, adequate resettlement or alternative housing. Residents, who have often lived in these areas for decades, are left to witness their homes, shops and places of worship lay flattened by bulldozers," the experts said.
The latest illustration of this worrying pattern is the recent demolition drive which has affected communities living in the Chandola Lake area and nearby Siyasat Nagar in Ahmedabad, in the Gujarat state. On 29 April and 20-21 May 2025, over 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses and mosques, were reportedly demolished. Around 500 structures were reported to have also been demolished on 29 May, leaving thousands on the street.
"Episodes like the latest demolitions in the Gujarat state not only displace thousands of individuals and families, and deprive them of their means of livelihood, but also contribute to social instability, deepen divisions, and undermine public trust in the rule of law," the experts said.
They stressed that 'national security' and 'foreign nationality' should never be used as a pretext to justify the forced eviction of communities without legal safeguards.
"India must ensure that urban development is pursued in a manner consistent with both domestic guarantees and international human rights standards," the experts said.
The experts have been in contact with the Government of India regarding these issues.
