The Gujarat High Court has directed the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to submit a detailed rehabilitation plan for families displaced after the demolition of homes in Nasir Nagar, raising serious concerns over the civic body’s handling of the exercise.
Hearing a batch of petitions, the court questioned whether the authorities had made any arrangements to help residents who lost their homes. It asked the Surat Municipal Commissioner to personally file an affidavit explaining what steps were being taken to rehabilitate the affected families and whether there was any proposal to rebuild or provide alternative accommodation.
The demolitions were carried out after authorities identified several structures in Nasir Nagar as unauthorised. However, residents approached the High Court, arguing that many families had been living in the area for years and were left homeless without adequate rehabilitation or proper planning.
During the hearing, the bench observed that while the administration has the authority to remove illegal structures, it also has a responsibility to consider the humanitarian impact of such actions. The court stressed that the issue was not limited to legality alone but also involved the welfare and dignity of people who had suddenly lost their shelter.
The High Court sought clarity on whether the civic body had conducted any survey of the displaced families, assessed their immediate needs or explored measures to provide temporary housing. It also asked officials to explain if there was any long-term rehabilitation policy for those affected.
The matter has drawn attention as several families continue to struggle for basic necessities after the demolition drive. Many residents have reportedly been forced to stay in temporary shelters or with relatives while waiting for clarity on their future.
The court’s intervention has provided some relief to the displaced residents, who are hoping for a structured rehabilitation plan instead of prolonged uncertainty. The case is expected to return for further hearing after the Surat Municipal Corporation submits its response.
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