Surat residents whose homes were razed during an "illegal" demolition drive in June told the Gujarat High Court on Monday (August 31) that the location of the homes proposed for their rehabilitation had been changed from one part of the city to another, and that the newly proposed homes were in a “dilapidated condition.”

Justice Nikhil S Kariel was hearing a plea moved by a group of residents concerning the demolition drive which was carried out in Surat's Nasir Nagar.

Previously the Gujarat Government informed the High Court that the concerned Commissioner of Surat Municipal Corporation has been transferred and appointed to a different post. This, after the high court had 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.

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.

At the outset, the advocate general appearing for the Corporation submitted that 100 page affidavit had been filed by the petitioners and sought time respond to the same.

At this stage, the senior counsel appearing for the residents said, "They had assured to give us houses in Jahangirpura under PM Awaas Yojana. We had visited had found that they were habitable. So we agreed to that. Entire process was undertaken as if houses were to be allotted in Jahangirpura under the Yojana. No notice that destination is going to change. They were asking us to accept the houses in Adajan and Bhestan". 

She pointed to the "condition" of the houses by referring to certain photographs and said, "We were assured we would be given 1BHK. Today, it is only one room and a small kitchen, that too in dilapidated condition". The senior counsel also joined the AG's request and said that the matter be kept as part heard. 

Taking note of the joint request of the parties, the court listed the matter as part heard and granted time to the Corporation to file its response to the affidavit. 

The plea is next listed on September 11. 

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

R/SPECIAL CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 8712 of 2026

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