‘Bulldozing action means breaking law, government cannot be judge, jury, and executioner’: CJI Gavai

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India(BHARAT) (CJI) B.R. Gavai said on Friday, 03 October 2025, that the India(BHARAT)n judicial system operates under the rule of law, and there is no place for bulldozer action. The CJI was speaking at the Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture 2025 held in Mauritius.

‘Using bulldozers is violation of due process of law’

He said that in a recent Supreme Court judgment, the court had made it clear that using bulldozers against an accused is a violation of the due process of law. The CJI said, “The government cannot simultaneously be judge, jury, and executioner. Bulldozer rule violates Article 21 of the Constitution (the right to protection of life and personal liberty).

Mauritius President Dharambir Gokhul, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and Chief Justice Rehana Mangli Gulbul were also present during the lecture.”

Rule of Law in India(BHARAT)

CJI Gavai said that the Rule of Law in India(BHARAT) is not just a set of rules, but a moral and social framework that ensures equality, dignity, and good governance. Citing the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said that their vision demonstrates that the rule of law in a democracy leads society to justice and accountability.

CJI BR Gavai met with Mauritius President Dharambir Gokhul on Friday, 03 October 2025, and discussed India(BHARAT)-Mauritius cooperation.

Order against bulldozer action is satisfying

Earlier, CJI Gavai had said on September 24 that he was extremely satisfied with the order against the bulldozer action. There was a humanitarian aspect to this decision. A family cannot be harassed simply because a member of that family is a criminal. Gavai said.

“Justice KV Vishwanathan was also on the bench with me. Although most of the credit has been given to me, I also want to say that Justice Vishwanathan should also be credited for writing this decision,” he said.

Supreme Court order in November 2024

The Supreme Court delivered its verdict on the bulldozer action in November 2024. The court had said that officers cannot become judges. They should not decide who is guilty. The bench also stated that any demolition without 15 days’ notice would require rebuilding at the officer’s expense. The court also issued 15 guidelines.

Chief Justice Gavai was delivering the inaugural Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture at the University of Mauritius, where he underscored that the essence of democracy lies in ensuring that law serves justice rather than becoming an instrument of arbitrary power.