Bhadrakali case: Gujarat High Court warns of contempt for blocking encroachment drive

The Gujarat High Court has directed strict action against individuals who allegedly obstructed an anti-encroachment drive in Ahmedabad’s Bhadrakali Mandir to Teen Darwaza area. The incident occurred during the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) compliance with court orders on removing illegal encroachments.

A division bench of Justice A S Supehia and Justice L S Pirzada treated the matter with “utmost seriousness” after being informed that certain individuals linked to a service organisation, along with others, had disrupted the drive. The court asked the authorities to take immediate steps against those involved and submit an action-taken report next week.

Video footage presented in court

The state government presented video evidence showing the obstructions. After watching the footage, the bench expressed shock and reiterated its earlier warning: any attempt to block compliance with court directions on unauthorised encroachments, illegal parking, or related matters would directly attract contempt proceedings.

The footage reportedly showed some individuals climbing onto AMC vehicles and even throwing objects during the drive carried out by the AMC’s estate department between September 22 and 25. The court noted that such actions amounted to contempt.

Reiterating its stance, the court warned that anyone creating hurdles in the implementation of its orders would face direct contempt proceedings. The bench emphasised that the rule of law must be upheld and that court orders cannot be flouted.

Encroachments add to festival congestion

An affidavit filed by an AMC Central Zone officer highlighted that during Navratri, thousands of devotees visit the Bhadrakali temple. Unauthorised stalls and hawkers in the area worsen congestion, inconvenience devotees, and obstruct emergency vehicles such as fire brigades and ambulances.

The court observed that removing such encroachments was necessary to ensure smooth movement of traffic and safety of the public.