CJI Gavai: India Runs By Rule Of Law, Not Bulldozers

New Delhi – Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Friday said the Indian legal system is governed by rule of law and not by“rule of the bulldozer”.

Delivering the inaugural Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture 2025 in Mauritius on 'Rule of Law in the Largest Democracy', he referred to his own verdict deprecating 'bulldozer justice'.

Sir Maurice Rault, a noted jurist, was the Chief Justice of Mauritius from 1978 to 1982.

Highlighting the principle of rule of law and its expansive interpretation by the Supreme Court of India, Justice Gavai, who is on a three-day official visit to the island nation, said,“The judgment sent a clear message that the Indian legal system is governed by the rule of law, not by the rule of the bulldozer.”

In the judgement in the 'bulldozer justice' case, the apex court held that demolition of houses of accused in response to alleged offenses bypasses legal processes, violates the rule of law and infringes upon the fundamental right to shelter under Article 21.

“It was further held that the executive cannot assume the roles of judge, jury, and executioner simultaneously,” the CJI said.

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