Prima Facie Criminal Contempt: Gujarat HC Summons Surat Civic Chiefs Over Demolition

The Gujarat High Court has called the Surat Corporation’s reversal on housing for demolition victims prima facie criminal contempt and has summoned the Municipal Commissioner and the Standing Committee Chairman to explain it in person.

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday (October 23) said that the “change of stand” by the Commissioner of the Surat Municipal Corporation and the Chairperson of its Standing Committee, in not providing alternative accommodation to residents whose homes were demolished despite an earlier assurance, is prima facie criminal contempt, and directed both officers to remain present on the next date to explain why contempt proceedings should not be taken against them [Ansari M. Ikbal Alihusen and Others v. State of Gujarat and Others] .

Justice Nikhil S. Kariel passed the order while hearing a petition by a group of residents against the demolition drive carried out in the Nasir Nagar area in June. The two officers were personally present in court. The matter has been listed on November 27.