The Gujarat government has recently reported significant progress in removing illegal religious structures from public roads and places across the state. As of now, 261 illegal structures have been removed since April 16. Additionally, 28 of these structures have been relocated, and 98 have been regularised under the law. This action follows a directive from the Supreme Court issued in September 2009, which mandated the removal of such structures from public spaces.
The Chief Justice, Sunita Agrawal, and Justice D. N. R. Mehta held a hearing regarding this matter. The state’s Home Department presented an affidavit outlining the actions taken. A total of 1,177 notices have also been issued to various illegal structures across the state, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the law.
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing for November 12. During this session, the government is expected to present a progress report detailing the implementation of the removal process. To accelerate the compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders, the state has formed committees at both district and municipal levels to oversee the operations.
The Gujarat High Court noted that the government passed a resolution on April 19, 2024, to facilitate the removal of these structures. The formation of collector committees at the district level and commissioner committees at the municipal level is aimed at reviewing and addressing the illegal constructions effectively.
These committees will meet monthly to evaluate the progress of the removal efforts. The court had previously been informed that districts with more than 1,000 illegal religious structures have been categorised separately. There are also districts with varying numbers of illegal structures, including some that have fewer than 100.
Interestingly, two districts and one major municipality reported having no illegal religious structures at all. Furthermore, nine districts have fewer than 50 illegal structures, with four of these having less than ten.
In earlier reports, the government informed the court that between November 21, 2024, and January 31, 2025, a total of 156 illegal structures would be removed statewide. Among these, 127 structures were located on government land, while 29 were on municipal land. Some religious sites were also relocated as part of this process.
The government’s initiative has been welcomed by many residents who feel that illegal constructions disrupt public spaces and urban planning. However, some community leaders have expressed concerns over the impact on places of worship. They argue that while the removal of illegal structures is necessary, the government should also consider the cultural and historical significance of these sites while planning their relocation.
As the situation develops, residents and community leaders alike are keen to see how the government balances the enforcement of laws with respect for religious sentiments. This ongoing operation reflects a broader commitment to maintaining public order and adhering to legal standards across Gujarat. The next hearing will provide further insights into the progress and any challenges faced during this extensive operation.