‘Is There No Law in This Country?’: Gujarat High Court Slams Government Over Surat Demolition, Demands Action Against Municipal Commissioner

In a scathing courtroom reprimand, the Gujarat High Court on Monday pulled up the state government over a mega-demolition drive carried out in Surat’s Nasirnagar, questioning if "any law exists in this country." Angered by the state's apparent shielding of top bureaucratic brass, the court remarked that the Surat Municipal Commissioner deserves punishments far more severe than a simple removal from office.

The division bench, led by Justice Nikhil Kariel, rejected the state government’s affidavit, which claimed that a departmental inquiry had already been initiated against the responsible ground officers.

"If a departmental inquiry has been launched against a high-ranking official, why is the Municipal Commissioner still occupying his post?" the court demanded to know, accusing the administration of trying to pull the wool over the judiciary's eyes. "What are you trying to prove by shielding the Commissioner? The government is playing games in the name of an inquiry."

‘Forwarded Message’ Excuse Fails to Convince Bench

The court categorically rejected the defence offered by the Surat Municipal Commissioner, who reportedly tried to distance himself from the controversial demolition by using a forwarded message as an alibi. Justice Nikhil Kariel observed that such excuses are completely unconvincing for an officer vested with special statutory powers.

"The argument that subordinate officers acted without the Commissioner's knowledge, and that he was unaware of the developments, is utterly unacceptable," Justice Kariel noted. "A police complaint was not even registered for an entire month following the drive. What was the Commissioner doing during this whole month?"

The bench further pulled up the government for using phrases like "in-depth study" and "preliminary inquiry" simply to buy time and mislead the court, calling the state’s investigative process a mere "drama" designed to cover up the truth.

Pay Victims from Personal Pockets, Not Taxpayers' Money

Taking a tough stance on rehabilitation, the High Court directed that alternative arrangements and financial compensation for the displaced residents of Nasirnagar must not come from the state exchequer. Instead, the court ruled that the financial liability must fall directly on the responsible officers.

"The funds in the government treasury belong to the common citizens. Why should taxpayers' money be spent on providing alternative housing?" the bench remarked. "The Municipal Commissioner must pay for the compensation and alternative arrangements out of his own pocket."

The court reiterated that since the Municipal Commissioner holds the highest administrative office in the corporation, the ultimate accountability for such a major operation rests squarely on his shoulders. The case has been scheduled for further hearing as the court awaits a concrete compliance report from the state.

Questions Raised by the Bench, Government stumbled to answer

• Why has the government still retained the Municipal Commissioner in his post?
• Why have you not conducted a preliminary inquiry? You are trying to pull the wool over our eyes.
• The Commissioner is the most senior officer, yet you are shielding him.
• Even though the truth has come out, the government wants to cover it up.
• Under the guise of an "in-depth study", will you tell the court that an investigation has been conducted?
• You want to pass time by making an excuse of a preliminary inquiry.
• The responsibility to pay compensation to those whose houses were demolished also rests on them.