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4 Oct 2024

Demolitions In Somnath: Supreme Court Seeks Gujarat's Response. See Details


The Supreme Court stated on Friday that if Gujarat officials have disregarded its order regarding bulldozer actions, they will face imprisonment and be required to reconstruct all affected properties. This announcement was made by a bench consisting of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Vishwanathan while hearing a contempt petition related to the demolition of illegal constructions near the Somnath temple on September 28.


SC Refuses To Pass Status Quo Order


The petition, filed by the Samasta Patni Muslim Jamaat, called for action against the violation of the Supreme Court's order issued on September 17. However, the Court refused to pass an interim order of status quo with respect to the demolitions. The Supreme Court has requested a response from the Gujarat government, with the next hearing scheduled for October 16.


According to the petition, structures including approximately five dargahs, ten mosques, and 45 houses belonging to the Muslim community were demolished over an area of 57 acres, located 340 meters from the Somnath temple. 


Govt clarification


Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Gujarat officials, clarified that these structures were situated adjacent to the sea. He said that the demolition drive was falling within the exception carved out by the Court in the September 17 order for encroachments on public spaces and lands abutting waterbodies. The SG submitted that the subject matter of the case is government land and the proceedings for eviction were initiated in 2023. Notices were issued and a personal hearing was given to the parties. Although the parties approached several authorities, including the Waqf Tribunal, they got no relief.

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