The Surat Municipal Commissioner informed the Gujarat High Court that no orders were issued for the May 30 demolition of structures in Ved Darwaja. The court questioned the roles of police and civic officials during the action that affected dozens of homes.
The Gujarat High Court on June 29 questioned the police, the Surat Municipal Corporation and Torrent Power over a demolition drive in Surat. Justice Nikhil Kariel observed that senior police officers at the site should have intervened if the action lacked legal authority.
Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan stated in a written reply that neither he nor any corporation authority had directed the demolition. The requisition sent to police on May 21 sought protection only for a demarcation exercise.
The land in question measures around 20,739 square metres and is owned by Parsi individuals. The area was described as encroached upon by unauthorised structures.
