The Gujarat High Court has sought the state government's response over the demolition of nearly 100 houses in Surat's Narisnagar locality, describing the action as "completely illegal" and questioning whether the state had fulfilled its responsibility towards affected residents. Hearing petitions filed by families whose homes were demolished on May 30, Justice Nikhil Kariel asked the government to clarify its position and explain how such a large-scale operation was allowed to take place without prior notice.

During the hearing, the court questioned whether the state should have conducted an independent inquiry at a level higher than the municipal commissioner. It observed that the demolition had displaced a large number of people and remarked that the government could not remain indifferent in a matter involving the destruction of citizens' homes. The court also questioned why a broader investigation had not been initiated despite the seriousness of the incident.

In an affidavit submitted before the court, the Surat Municipal Commissioner stated that a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner found that several officials had not fully disclosed the facts surrounding the demolition. The affidavit said five municipal officers who were present during the demolition had been suspended pending departmental proceedings, while further investigation into the incident was continuing.

Also Read: Gujarat HC Says Marriage Not “Song And Dance”; Registration Alone Cannot Validate It

The High Court also questioned the role of the police, asking why no criminal investigation had been initiated despite the presence of senior police officers at the demolition site. The court observed that if the demolition was illegal, authorities should have promptly examined whether any penal offences had been committed. It further remarked that delays in initiating an investigation could create an impression that the matter was being covered up.

The bench also focused on the rehabilitation of families rendered homeless by the demolition. It stated that once the action had been found to be unauthorised, the authorities had a responsibility to ensure that affected residents were properly rehabilitated. The court suggested that rehabilitation could include rebuilding the demolished homes or providing alternative accommodation through appropriate arrangements, but emphasised that those displaced should not be left without shelter.

According to the municipal commissioner's affidavit, the land belonged to private owners who had sought its development through third parties, but a plot validation certificate requested in March had been rejected. The affidavit stated that municipal officials had informed police about a planned physical demarcation of the site on May 30 and that the demolition occurred during that exercise. The Gujarat High Court is expected to continue hearing the matter as it examines accountability, rehabilitation measures and the legality of the demolition process.

Also Read: Verbal Clash Erupts in Surat's Saniya Kande Village Over Removal of Alleged Encroachment