Over 100 Homes Razed in Surat’s Nasir Nagar; Residents Move Gujarat High Court Alleging Due Process Violations

Surat |

The demolition of more than 100 houses in Nasir Nagar, Katargam, has sparked legal and administrative scrutiny, with affected residents approaching the Gujarat High Court alleging that the action was carried out without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard.

According to the petition filed before the High Court, 26 residents have challenged the demolition, claiming that the structures were demolished on May 30 without the mandatory legal procedure being followed. The petitioners have contended that no demolition notices were served and that the action left several families homeless.

The incident has also drawn attention due to initial uncertainty over the agency responsible for carrying out the demolition. Soon after the operation, officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) reportedly stated that the civic body had only visited the area for land demarcation and denied conducting the demolition. The conflicting statements led to widespread public debate and media reports describing the incident as a case of “ghost demolition.”

Subsequently, the Municipal Commissioner acknowledged that the demolition had been undertaken by the SMC but refrained from commenting on the legality or procedural aspects, citing the matter’s pendency before the Gujarat High Court.

In response to the controversy, the Surat Municipal Corporation constituted a six-member inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the demolition and establish the sequence of events. The committee is expected to determine whether established procedures were followed and identify any lapses in the execution of the operation.

The Gujarat High Court is now examining the residents’ plea, which raises questions regarding compliance with statutory requirements governing demolition of structures, including the issuance of notices and adherence to principles of natural justice. The petitioners have also sought appropriate relief, including compensation and rehabilitation.

The SMC has maintained that the matter is sub judice and has refrained from making detailed public comments while the case is under judicial consideration.

The High Court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on the legality of the demolition and the responsibilities of the authorities involved, while also determining whether the affected families are entitled to any relief.

The matter continues to be closely watched as proceedings before the Gujarat High Court progress.

(Surat: Displaced Nasirnagar families shifted to community hall)