New Delhi: The Gujarat High Court has sought the state government’s position on the demolition of nearly 100 houses in Surat’s Narisnagar locality, describing the action as “completely illegal” and raising serious questions over administrative accountability and rehabilitation of affected families.
During a hearing on Thursday, the court examined petitions filed by residents whose homes were demolished on May 30 without prior notice. The bench questioned whether the state could remain detached from an incident that left dozens of families homeless and stressed that the matter warranted an inquiry by an authority much senior than the municipal commissioner.
The court also expressed concern over the absence of any police complaint or investigation despite the presence of senior police officials at the demolition site. Judges observed that the scale of the operation should have automatically triggered scrutiny and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
According to an affidavit filed by the municipal commissioner, a preliminary inquiry conducted by the civic body’s deputy municipal commissioner found that several officials involved were not fully disclosing facts related to the incident. As a result, five officers present during the demolition have been suspended pending departmental proceedings.
The court remarked that while the state often intervenes in minor law and order incidents, it appeared unconcerned when a large scale demolition affecting hundreds of people took place. It warned that delays in investigation could create the impression of an attempt to suppress the truth.
The bench further stated that once the demolition had been acknowledged as illegal, authorities were duty bound to ensure proper rehabilitation of those displaced. It directed officials to either rebuild the demolished homes or provide alternative accommodation through other arrangements.
The municipal commissioner informed the court that the land belonged to private owners and that the demolition took place during an exercise to demarcate street lines after a development related application had been rejected earlier this year.
