The Supreme Court on Friday indicated that it might compel Gujarat authorities to restore demolished structures if found in contempt of its previous orders. The top court’s statement came during a hearing where a plea alleged that the Gujarat authorities had violated a Supreme Court directive dated September 17, which prohibited the demolition of properties, including those belonging to individuals accused of crimes, without explicit permission from the court.
Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, overseeing the proceedings, heard arguments from Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing the petitioner, Summast Patni Muslim Jamat. Hegde reported that despite the apex court’s clear instructions, demolitions continued in Gujarat.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Gujarat authorities, defended the actions by stating that the demolished structures were close to the sea and approximately 340 meters from the Somnath temple, suggesting that these fell within exceptions noted by the Supreme Court. The exceptions include unauthorised structures in public places like roads, streets, footpaths, areas adjacent to railway lines or water bodies, and those ordered for demolition by a court of law.
During the intense courtroom exchange, the bench remarked, “If we find that they are in contempt of our order, not only will we be sending them to jail but we will ask them to restore all this.” This stern warning underscores the court’s commitment to enforcing its directives and maintaining judicial oversight on demolitions.
