National desk
25 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court has declined to issue a stay on the alleged demolition of religious sites and other buildings associated with the Muslim community in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. The hearing, conducted by a bench of Justice BR Gawai and Justice KV Viswanathan, saw the court initially refusing to grant a stay order on the demolitions. Later in the proceedings, the bench concluded that issuing an order was not necessary at this stage.
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Muslim community, argued that the demolished structures were located on waqf land—a form of endowment in Islamic law. He requested the court to instruct the state government to avoid interfering with properties managed by third parties on waqf land.
The bench’s decision not to intervene at this time leaves the demolitions ongoing, with the court focusing on whether further examination is needed in the matter. The case highlights significant issues around property rights, religious structures, and state jurisdiction, with community leaders expressing concern about the potential impact on religious sites and urging for clearer protections on waqf land in the region.