In a significant turn of events, the Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the demolition notice issued by the Nashik Municipal Corporation against the Hazrat Saatpeer Sayed Baba dargah. The decision came after it was revealed that the local civic body had proceeded with partial demolition actions just hours before a scheduled court hearing.
The apex court’s intervention followed a session on April 16, during which Justices P S Narasimah and Joymala Bagchi learned that the plea to protect the dargah had been lodged with the Bombay High Court on April 7 but had failed to be scheduled for a hearing. In response to the urgency of the situation, the Supreme Court has now demanded a detailed report from the Bombay High Court’s registrar general regarding why the plea was not listed despite repeated requests.
The demolition activity by the Nashik Municipal Corporation occurred in the late hours of April 15 into the early morning of April 16, directly preceding the Supreme Court’s review. The court expressed significant concern over the high court’s delay in listing the petition, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations brought forward by senior advocate Navin Pahwa, who represents the dargah’s management.
Justice Bagchi highlighted the court’s decision as an “extraordinary measure” taken in light of the critical assertions made by the counsel regarding attempts to list the case. “This is a serious statement and the counsel shall take and feel responsibility for the consequence of such a statement,” remarked the bench in its order.
Further escalating the issue, the Supreme Court has also requested a formal response from the Nashik Municipal Corporation, addressing the concerns about the urgency of the demolition threat to the religious structure. The case is poised for further hearing on April 21, where additional clarifications are expected.
