Supreme Court Faces Tense Standstill in Gujarat Demolition Case

The Supreme Court declined to mandate a status quo on the alleged illegal demolition of Muslim worship sites at Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The case involved a contention over the land's ownership, with the court hearing a contempt petition against Gujarat authorities for demolishing structures without consent.

On Friday, the Supreme Court chose not to order a status quo amid allegations of illegal demolitions of Muslim places of worship in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The hearing featured Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan who initially considered but eventually decided against implementing the status quo.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing a Muslim party, urged the court to ensure the state government refrains from creating third-party rights over properties purportedly located on Waqf land. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on behalf of the Gujarat government, argued that the land belonged to the government and not the petitioner.

The proceedings were part of a contempt petition accusing Gujarat authorities of unauthorized demolitions of residential and religious structures despite an existing interim stay, highlighting tensions over land rights and religious preservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)