India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed a practice widely called bulldozer justice, in which state governments raze the homes and businesses of people — most often Muslims — as rapid retribution after communal conflicts or acts of political dissent.

       The demolitions have steadily increased for years in India, and are especially common in states controlled by the Hindu-nationalist party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They are carried out even before the law can take its course after accusations of a crime.

       The authorities often cite illegal construction as justification for razing the businesses or homes of political opponents or members of minority communities. In its ruling, the court said that meting out such punishment without due process “reminds one of a lawless state of affairs, where ‘might was right.’”

       Subscribe to The Times to read as many articles as you like.