The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the Junagadh Municipal Corporation, the Junagadh district collector, the State Waqf Board, and other relevant authorities in response to petitions challenging the demolition notices issued for alleged unauthorized dargahs (Muslim shrines) in Junagadh. The notices, posted on June 14, demanded ownership papers or threatened demolition of the structures, sparking concerns and unrest within the community.
The Samast Sunni Muslim Trust from Junagadh filed three petitions, expressing concerns over the posting of notices on the walls of six different shrines, including the Majewadi Gate dargah. The trust raised objections primarily based on the lack of sufficient time granted by the authorities to respond to the notice and provide ownership records for the land.
During the court proceedings, it was argued that most of these dargahs were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it challenging for individuals to claim ownership. The short period of 5-7 days given by the authorities may not be enough time for the mujawars (caretakers) and shrine custodians to gather and submit the required documents.
The petitioner trust has requested the high court to direct the authorities to follow the due process of law and grant an opportunity for a hearing before taking any action. There are concerns that a hasty demolition drive by the authorities could lead to further complications and tensions within the community.
Justice V D Nanavati has scheduled the next hearing on the issue after seeking responses from the relevant authorities. The court's intervention and the issuance of notices aim to address the grievances raised by the Muslim community in Junagadh.
In a related development, the Gujarat High Court has also issued notices to the State Government, Junagadh Municipal Corporation, the State Waqf Board, and other authorities in response to separate petitions challenging the demolition notices issued for alleged unauthorized dargahs in Junagadh. The petitions, filed by Sardumsha, Reshamsha Pir Dargah Trust, and Samasth Sunni Muslim, oppose the demolition drive targeting religious structures belonging to the Muslim community.
The notices in question were issued by the Senior Town Planner of the Junagadh Municipal Corporation, demanding the removal of alleged illegal encroachments by the dargahs on public roads. Among the dargahs facing demolition threats are the 'Hazrat Gebansha Pir Dargah,' believed to be over 100 years old, and the 'Hazrat Jamiyalsadatar Dargah.'
The petitioners allege that the Junagadh Municipal Corporation, with alleged assistance from the police, has initiated an illegal demolition drive under the pretext of beautifying the Narsinh Mehta Lake. They further claim that the authorities unlawfully demolished certain religious structures at midnight, without following due process of law and in a high-handed manner.
The petitions also highlight a recent protest held on June 16, where the police allegedly resorted to lathi-charges and deployed tear gas shells against demonstrators. It is alleged that the police unlawfully entered houses, causing damage to private properties, and detained over 100 Muslims. FIRs have been filed against more than 500 individuals in connection with the incident, according to the petitions.
The petitioners argue that the authorities have specifically targeted Muslim religious structures while other structures of different religions situated on public roads have not faced similar scrutiny, raising concerns about selective action.
The petitions seek the quashing of the impugned notices and the restraint of the respondents from any further demolition attempts, particularly in respect to the 'Hazrat Gebansha Pir Dargah' located near Majevadi Darwaja. The court will consider the matter on June 27, taking into account the responses from the relevant authorities and the arguments presented by the petitioners.
Picture Source :
