Demolition drive in Surat challenged: Nasirnagar resident approaches Gujarat HC

A resident of Surat has moved the Gujarat High Court seeking an immediate stay on the ongoing eviction process at Nasirnagar slums, Ved Darwaja, which threatens to displace over 250 families. The petitioner, Husain Ajij, a 40-year-old laborer, filed a plea challenging the eviction.

According to the petition, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), backed by local police, without any prior notice launched a demolition drive on May 29, 2026.

By June 2, approximately 150 structures had already been razed. The petitioner expresses grave apprehension that his home, where his family has resided peacefully for 35 years since 1990, will be next. To substantiate his claims of long-term possession, Ajij has submitted municipal property tax receipts dating back to 1996 alongside local electricity bills.

The petition strongly contends that the demolition violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(e), and 21 of the Indian Constitution, as well as constitutional property protections under Article 300-A.

The petitioner argues that even if the land is classified as public property, authorities are statutory-bound to follow due process under The Gujarat Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1972, which mandates a written show-cause notice allowing residents at least ten days to respond.

Furthermore, the petition highlights that the drive violates the state’s own Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Policy of 2013, as no alternative accommodation has been provided to the affected families, potentially forcing hundreds onto the streets.