New Delhi: The Supreme Court granted petitioners four weeks to file responses to the Gujarat government’s affidavit on the controversial Gir Somnath demolition drive. The demolitions, carried out on September 28, reportedly targeted a mosque, dargah and a graveyard believed to be five centuries old, near the Somnath temple, sparking allegations of procedural violations and anti-Muslim bias. The demolition drive was a part of clearing out alleged ‘illegal constructions’ near the famous Somnath temple to pave the way for the Somnath Development Project.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the petitioners, emphasised the need for a rejoinder to address the state’s claims. The petitioners argued that the demolitions breached the Supreme Court’s directive from September 17, which required prior show-cause notices and a 15-day response period. They have accused the Gujarat authorities of disregarding these safeguards while targeting vulnerable communities under the guise of clearing encroachments.
The Gujarat government, in its affidavit, defended the demolitions as a campaign to reclaim public land, stating it recovered 15 hectares worth ₹60 crore. Critics have accused the government of a lack of transparency and disregard for affected families. The demolitions not only displace residents but also erode trust in democratic processes, fuelling apprehensions about selective targeting of Muslims and their places of worship. The court will hear the matter again after six weeks.
