AHMEDABAD: Several Muslim families in Gujarat’s Gomtipur area were left in a dire situation after the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted a demolition drive on February 22, ostensibly for road widening. The demolition resulted in the destruction of 160 buildings, including two religious structures, sparking protests from local residents.
The residents, who are mostly from low-income families, expressed their outrage over what they perceived as the arbitrary and insensitive actions of the authorities. One local resident, speaking to BBC Gujarat, said, “They come and demolish our homes without warning. Where are we supposed to go, especially with young children?” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Development should not come at the cost of destruction.”
With the holy month of Ramzan approaching, many residents voiced concerns about the impact on their daily lives. “With so much destruction around, how will we observe Roza (fasting) during Ramzan? How will we perform our prayers?” asked an elderly resident, visibly distressed by the situation.
According to Gomtipur councillor Iqbal Sheikh, the demolitions took place without prior notice, leaving residents unprepared. He further claimed that those who protested were detained by the police, as reported by Times of India.
However, local authorities maintain that notices were issued before the demolitions. Khodidas Chouhan, an officer from the estate department of Ahmedabad East Zone, stated that the 15.25-meter-wide road was being expanded to 30.50 meters, necessitating the demolition of 45 residential and 115 commercial structures.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the legality and fairness of such demolitions, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s previous judgment. On November 13 of the previous year, the Court condemned ‘bulldozer justice’ as “totally unconstitutional.” The bench emphasized that property demolitions cannot be carried out arbitrarily and must follow due process, including a prior show-cause notice, with demolition only proceeding after 15 days from the notice.
This incident underscores ongoing debates over the balance between development and citizens’ rights, particularly in marginalized communities. The failure to follow proper legal protocols has sparked public outcry and calls for greater transparency and accountability from the authorities.
This story was originally published in indiatomorrow.net.
