Demolitions: Supreme Court defers hearing on contempt plea against Gujarat authorities

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred hearing on a contempt plea against the Gujarat authorities for allegedly illegally demolishing residential and religious structures in the state despite an interim stay and without its prior nod.

A Bench of Justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan listed the plea after three weeks.

The plea seeks initiation of contempt proceedings against the state authorities for alleged violation of the apex court’s September 17 order that there would be no demolition of properties, including of those accused of crimes, across the country without its permission.

At the outset, a lawyer sought pass over of the hearing on behalf of the solicitor general representing the state authorities.

Senior lawyer Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner, said the state had filed a response to the petition and he wanted to file the rejoinder submissions.

“Their defense is that the structure demolished was near the Arabian Sea. What prevented them from seeking permission from your lordships,” the senior lawyer said.

On October 4, the top court cautioned the authorities, saying it will ask them to restore the structures if it finds they acted in contempt of its recent order against such action.