The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding a contempt petition against MCGM officials for violating a stay order related to the demolition of a Gurudwara in Mumbai. The petitioner claims the demolition contravened Supreme Court directives, affecting their constitutional right to shelter. The court has ordered to maintain status quo pending further hearings.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a petition seeking contempt proceedings against officials of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for allegedly violating a stay order in connection with the demolition of a Gurudwara. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan also directed to maintain status quo in the matter until the next hearing.
The petition, filed by Pravin Jivan Walodra and represented by Advocate Soumya Priyadarshinee, accuses MCGM officials of disregarding the Supreme Court’s interim orders dated September 17, 2024, and October 1, 2024, which explicitly barred any demolitions across the country without prior permission. The Gurudwara’s demolition reportedly took place on October 15, 2024, in contravention of these orders.
The petitioner claims that the demolition violated their constitutional right to shelter, arguing that they have peacefully managed the Gurudwara and resided on the premises with their family since 1955. Supporting their case, the petitioner presented property tax documents related to the plot, demonstrating consistent payments over the years.
The petition alleges that the MCGM officials demolished the structure without obtaining the required leave of the Supreme Court. The officials justified their actions by claiming the structure was on a public road. However, the petitioner contested this, stating:
“This fact has not been recorded in any of the internal correspondence provided to the petitioner nor in the available records.”
The petition further emphasizes that the demolition disregarded the court’s standing directive and thus qualifies as contempt of court.
The apex court, taking serious note of the allegations, issued notices to the concerned respondents and directed that the status quo be maintained regarding the disputed structure. The court will next hear the matter on a date to be determined.
The petitioner highlighted that the Gurudwara has been an integral part of the community for decades, with its roots tracing back to 1955. Generations have managed the site, and its demolition poses significant disruption to both the religious and residential lives of the affected parties.
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