The apex court's intervention highlights growing concerns over the timing and legality of the demolition of the Hazrat Satpir Shah Dargah
MUMBAI – In a significant development, the Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the demolition of the Hazrat Satpir Shah Dargah in Nashik, Maharashtra, and has demanded a report from the Bombay High Court on the delay in hearing the Dargah Trust’s petition.
The trust had filed a plea against a demolition notice issued by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), but despite this, the structure was bulldozed in the early hours of April 16.
The incident, which has fuelled heated political debates, follows a notice served by the NMC on April 1, declaring the dargah as illegal and granting just 15 days for a response. The demolition process began on the night of April 15, which led to violent protests, including stone-pelting, during which 21 policemen were injured. By the morning of April 16, the dargah had been demolished.
The lawyer representing the Dargah Trust, which manages the historical shrine, has raised concerns about the delay in hearing the petition. “We approached the Bombay High Court on April 8, seeking an urgent hearing, but the case was not listed,” said the lawyer. “By the time the matter was taken to the Supreme Court, the dargah had already been demolished, causing irreparable damage.”
Faheem Sheikh, a member of the dargah, expressed shock at the sudden demolition. “I was informed of the action at around 10 am on April 16 when I saw missed calls and messages,” he said. “I tried reaching our lawyer, but he was already in court. This demolition seems to have been executed under political pressure to prevent any legal intervention.” Sheikh further claimed that the dargah had 350-year-old documents proving its legitimacy.
Manisha Khatri, the Commissioner of Nashik Municipal Corporation, responded to the allegations, stating that she had not yet received the Supreme Court’s order. “The demolition took place at 6 am on April 16, and we will present our side in court through our legal representatives,” Khatri explained. “The Bombay High Court had already declared the structure illegal, and the action was taken based on that ruling.”
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights growing concerns over the timing and legality of the demolition, as well as the broader political implications of such actions. The matter now awaits further legal scrutiny.
