Somnath demolition: Gujarat HC seeks response from both sides

A writ petition was filed in the Gujarat High Court challenging the large-scale demolition that took place in Gujarat’s Somnath. After hearing the arguments from both sides, Justice Sangeeta K Vishen directed the government to show if it had followed the legal process before proceeding with the demolition.

Similarly, the petitioners were also asked to produce necessary documents to prove that the authorities did not follow a legal process with the demolition.

The petition claimed that the local authorities carried out the demolition proceedings without following the necessary legal procedures, and without an official order.

The government defended that the demolition work was carried out by the authorities following the legal process. A notice was issued to the petitioners on September 12 and a hearing was held on September 19.

Later, a hearing was again held on September 27, and on the same day, demolition was carried out after an order.

The petitioner objected that they were not given an opportunity for a hearing on September 27 and no order was passed. The authorities carried out demolition proceedings without any notices.

On September 27, local authorities carried out large-scale demolition work overnight in Somnath. Structures, including religious places including Haji Mangarolisha Pir and Eidgah.