The Supreme Court will hear a petition challenging the bulldozer action against centuries-old tombs and mosques around Somnath in Gujarat in three weeks. In the last hearing, the court declined to order a status quo. The petitioner’s lawyer indicated that a response will be filed following the court’s notice, and the court granted additional time for this.
Contempt Action Requested Against Officials
During the hearing, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde questioned why officials did not seek the Supreme Court’s permission before conducting the demolitions, particularly given the proximity to the Arabian Sea. A bench led by Justice BR Gavai is overseeing the case. The Supreme Court previously stated that if its orders have been disobeyed, it would restore the demolished structures and hold responsible officials accountable.
Allegations of Illegal Demolitions
The petition demands contempt action against the collector and other officials of Gir Somnath for the alleged illegal demolition of various religious sites, including Dargah Mangroli Shah Baba and Idgah. The petition claims large-scale demolitions occurred despite the Supreme Court’s directive, resulting in the bulldozing of nine religious structures belonging to the minority community. Reports indicate that all these structures were located on government land in Prabhas Patan.
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