SUPREME COURT REFUSED TO PASS STATUS QUO ORDER AGAINST DEMOLITIONS IN SOMNATH, SEEKS GUJARAT'S RESPONSE

The Supreme Court in the case Summast The counsel, Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde submitted before the court that the issue related to structures which date back to 1309.

The bench in the case was hearing the petition filed by Summast Patni Musslim Jamat, a Trust representing the Patni Muslim commuPatni Musslim Ja- nity of Prabhas Patan mat v. State of Gujarat and Ors in Jamiat Ulama I Hind v. North Delhi Municipal Corporation observed and has sought the response of the State of Gujarat on a contempt petition alleging the illegal demolition of Muslim religious and residential places by authorities on September 28 at Gir Somnath.

The court in the case observed and has refused to pass an interim order of status quo with respect to the demolitions.

The bench comprising of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan was hearing the present matter.

Hegde stated that, Issue notice to the parties, there was no mention of any demolition, wherein saying that the actions of the authorities are against the Supreme Court's order dated September 17, wherein the court directed that there should be no demolition without the prior permission of the Court.

The counsel submitted before the court that about 5 dargahs, 10 mosques and 45 houses spread over an area of 57 acres were facing the threat.

The counsel also placed reliance on the recent order of status quo passed by the Supreme Court on Sonpur demolition drive in Assam.