A resident of the Nasirnagar locality in Surat has approached the Gujarat High Court, challenging the demolition drive being conducted by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The petition, filed by Husain Shaikh, alleges that nearly 150 houses were demolished on May 29 without any prior notice to the residents.
Allegations of Illegal Demolition
Petitioner's advocate Zamir Shaikh informed the court that the demolitions were carried out without following the due procedure of law. He claimed that the authorities did not issue any notice before razing the structures, leaving the residents homeless without warning.
Fear of Future Demolition
The petitioner expressed fear that his own house, along with other remaining structures, would also be demolished in the near future. He has sought an interim stay on the demolition drive to prevent further destruction of property.
Demand for Compliance with Rules
The petitioner has urged the High Court to direct the civic authorities to adhere to the rules governing evictions. According to these rules, before eviction, the authorities are required to provide the affected people with alternative residential arrangements. The petitioner argues that the SMC failed to comply with this requirement.
Evidence of Long-Standing Residence
To establish their long-term presence in the area, the petitioner has submitted tax payment receipts dating back to 1996. Additionally, many households have bills issued by the power company, further proving their decades-long residence in Nasirnagar.
Next Hearing
The petition is likely to be heard in the near future, where the court will decide on the interim relief sought by the petitioner. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the residents of Nasirnagar and similar demolition drives in the state.
