The Gujarat High Court has declined to grant an interim stay in the Somnath demolition case and also denied the petitioner's request to maintain the status quo. Additionally, the court has asked the government for information regarding the demolished property. The next hearing is scheduled for October 24. In the hearing, the court dismissed the petitioner's plea to uphold the status quo and refused the interim stay request. The petitioner argued that a stay is necessary to prevent possession from being handed over to another party, alleging that the government acted arbitrarily by bulldozing.
Government Opposes Status Quo Request
Meanwhile, the state's representative lawyer opposed the status quo request, arguing that the demolition is complete and fencing work has commenced. The government clarified that the cleared land would remain fenced with concrete and that any land belonging to the Somnath Trust will be returned to it. The government informed the court that prior notices regarding the matter were issued. Furthermore, the court directed the government to provide detailed documentation of all demolished structures, including their construction type.
