Nasirnagar Demolition Row: SMC Executive Engineer Challenges Suspension in Gujarat High Court

A fresh legal twist has emerged in the controversial Nasirnagar demolition case, with suspended Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Executive Engineer Sujal Kumar Prajapati moving the Gujarat High Court to challenge the disciplinary action taken against him.

In his petition, Prajapati has termed his suspension "unauthorised and illegal", contending that he was merely carrying out instructions issued by senior authorities during the demolition exercise.

Engineer Challenges Suspension

Appearing before the High Court, counsel for the petitioner argued that the engineer acted strictly in accordance with directions communicated by higher officials and had no independent role in taking policy decisions related to the demolition drive. The plea further claimed that Prajapati had acted on the basis of a specific message forwarded by the Surat Municipal Commissioner.

Five Officials Faced Disciplinary Action

The legal challenge comes weeks after the SMC initiated disciplinary proceedings against five civil engineering officials in connection with the demolition operation. The civic body had suspended Executive Engineers Sujal Kumar Prajapati and Jayang Rajnikant Jivanramjiwala, along with three junior officials, with immediate effect.

More Than 100 Homes Razed in May 30 Operation

The controversy stems from a demolition drive carried out on May 30 in Surat's Central Zone, during which more than 100 houses in the Nasirnagar settlement were demolished by civic authorities. The action left dozens of economically weaker families displaced and triggered political and legal scrutiny over the manner in which the operation was conducted.

The High Court is expected to examine whether the suspended officials were acting independently or merely implementing administrative instructions issued by senior authorities during the operation.