Authorities in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district have demolished a centuries-old mosque, dargah, and graveyard in an anti-encroachment drive, despite a recent Supreme Court order prohibiting such actions without prior judicial approval. The demolition, which took place on September 28, has triggered widespread outrage, with allegations of contempt of court.
The targeted structures included the dargah of Haji Mangroli Shah, believed to be over 500 years old, located near Hazrat Maai Puri Masjid. The mosque and surrounding religious sites were reportedly removed to clear approximately three hectares of land as part of the Somnath Development Project, a large-scale initiative aimed at redeveloping the area around the iconic Somnath temple.
The demolition took place despite a Supreme Court ruling that specifically bars authorities from conducting demolitions without proper court clearance. According to local reports, the operation involved the deployment of 36 bulldozers, 50 tractors, and 1,200 police officers, making it one of the largest demolition exercises in the district’s history. Authorities justified the action, citing the need to remove “illegal constructions” near the temple.
The operation led to protests, with over 150 people, including members of the Dargah Committee, being detained by local authorities. Access to the site has since been restricted, with police cordoning off the area to prevent further unrest.
This incident has reignited debate over the government’s approach to urban development and its alleged disregard for judicial orders. A contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, accusing Gujarat officials of violating its directives by proceeding with the demolition without issuing notices or providing a hearing to the affected parties. The petition follows a similar case in Assam, where residents approached the court over illegal demolitions.
Critics have linked the incident to broader anti-Muslim sentiments, which have intensified under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since Modi’s reelection in 2019, the government has introduced a series of controversial measures that critics argue marginalize the Muslim community and restrict religious freedoms.
The mosque demolition follows another recent incident in Mumbai, Maharashtra, where municipal authorities partially dismantled the Subhaniya Mosque, also without prior notice.
