The tactic, in which state governments raze the homes and businesses of people as acts of retribution, has been on the rise in recent years.

Cow slaughter is punished by seven years in jail in Madhya Pradesh, and the burden of proof is on the accused. Slaughter of the cow, which some Hindu people worship as a deity, and its progeny is banned in most of India as is the consumption of their meat.

India's Supreme Court has ruled that 'bulldozer justice' — instant demolitions mainly targeting Muslims for alleged crimes — is unconstitutional, rebuking authorities close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Supreme Court will announce guidelines for a national property demolition drive, known as 'bulldozer justice', on Wednesday. The bench has reserved the order after hearings on October 1