Gujarat High Court Issues Notice To State Govt & Junagadh Authorities On Pleas Challenging Demolition Of Dargahs

The Gujarat High Court has yesterday issued notices to the State Government and Junagadh authorities while dealing with the pleas against the demolition of unauthorised Dargahs in Junagadh.

A Single Bench of Justice Vaibhavi D. Nanavati noted, “The petitioner herein has approached this Court for a direction to the respondent authority to follow the due process of law and principles of natural justice before taking any action, in pursuance to the notice issued on 16.06.2023 which is duly produced at Annexure-A.”

Advocates MTM Hakim and Rizvan Shaikh appeared on behalf of the petitioner in this matter.

In this case, the petitioner i.e., Sardumsha and Reshamasha Pir Dargah Trust had filed a petition opposing the illegal demolition drive targeting the religious structures of the Muslim community in the city of Junagadh. The petitioner approached the court after receiving notices from the authorities for the demolition of Dargahs i.e., shrines.

The petitioner sought direction from the High Court to declare the aforesaid notice as "grossly unconstitutional, illegal, and against fundamental rights under the Constitution". The other pleas were preferred by the Samasth Sunni Muslim Trust.

The High Court in the above context of the matter observed, “It was submitted that the petitioner herein has appeared before the respondent authority and filed the reply to the said notice, which is duly produced at Annexure-M.”

Accordingly, the Court issued notice making it returnable on June 27, 2023.

Cause Title- Sardumsha and Reshamasha Pir Dargah Trust v. State of Gujarat

Click here to read/download the Order