Surat Municipal Commissioner Transferred: Gujarat Govt Informs High Court Amid 'Illegal' Demolition Row

In a plea concerning a demolition drive carried out in Surat's Nasir Nagar in June, the Gujarat Government informed the High Court on Wednesday (August 12) that concerned Commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation has been transferred and appointed to a different post. 

This, after the high court had on Monday asked the State Government to inform as to why Surat Municipal Commissioner and senior officers of the Police department were being permitted to continue on their posts, pending an inquiry into the matter.

Justice Nikhil S Kariel in his order said:

"The Advocate General tenders copy of a notification of the General Administration Department by the State of Gujarat dated 11-8-2026 whereby it was submitted that the concerned Municipal Commissioner has been transferred and appointed to a different post. Learned advocate general would seek for some further time to take appropriate instructions. Hence at his request list on August 18". 

On Monday the Court had also asked the Surat Municipal Corporation that under what authority of law it is seeking charges to rehabilitate the residents of Nasir Nagar who lost their homes to a demolition drive.

The court was hearing a plea by a group of residents concerning the demolition drive which was carried out in Surat's Nasir Nagar.

In June the court had prima facie observed that when Police bandobast was sought for a demarcation activity and under the guise of demarcation if demolition was being carried out by the Municipal Corporation, then it was the duty of the police officials present at the site to intervene and prevent the activity. 

The matter is now listed on August 18. 

Case title: ANSARI M. IKBAL ALIHUSEN & ORS. v/s STATE OF GUJARAT & ORS

R/SPECIAL CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 8712 of 2026