New Delhi, Nov. 26 -- Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has sharply criticised the use of bulldozers by State authorities to demolish the homes of individuals merely accused of crimes, calling it an alarming example of the executive acting like a court and inflicting collective punishment without due process.

Speaking to ANI, Justice Gavai said the practice amounted to the state deciding guilt on its own and punishing entire families who have committed no wrongdoing. "When a citizen is found to be involved in a criminal act, what is the crime of his family? Why should their roof be bulldozed? The executive cannot act as a judge," he said.

Recalling the Supreme Court's intervention in demolition matters, he said the Court stepped in...