Gujarat Govt bulldozes 500-year-old mosque, dargah for Somnath temple project

As though no law and order, even from the Supreme Court, is likely to affect the BJP government in Gujarat in declaring a mosque, dargah, and graveyard over 500 years old illegal to run bulldozers over them and demolish them, defying the apex court’s strict order.

In a violation of a Supreme Court order, authorities in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district demolished a mosque, dargah, and graveyard, all reportedly over 500 years old, on September 28. This action occurred despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that halted demolitions nationwide unless prior permission was obtained, with exceptions for encroachments on public roads and designated areas.

The Gujarat administration carried out the demolition as part of the Somnath Development Project, which was intended to clear “illegal constructions” near the famous Somnath temple. Around 36 bulldozers, 30 JCBs, and 50 tractors were deployed for the large-scale operation, which officials described as the most significant demolition in the district's history.

Authorities mobilized 1,200 police personnel to ensure the demolition’s smooth execution, with high-ranking officials, including district collectors and police superintendents, overseeing the process. The area was cordoned off, restricting access to authorized personnel only.

The operation met resistance, with 70 individuals detained for attempting to disrupt the demolition at a religious site. The local government had earlier initiated an anti-encroachment drive targeting three hectares of land deemed “illegally occupied” behind the Somnath temple, with the aim of removing unauthorized structures built without permits.