Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court on Thursday summoned the Kutch district collector after finding that his affidavit failed to explain the “supernormal prompt action” taken by a “tyrant officer” in demolishing a mosque in Bhuj.
Justice Niral Mehta directed the collector to remain present in court on Oct 30 while hearing a petition challenging the demolition of Mohammadi Masjid in Bhuj. On Oct 13, Justice Mehta had sought an explanation from the Kutch collector over the mamlatdar’s prompt action.
The court said there was “nothing” in the affidavit filed by the collector in response to its earlier order seeking an explanation. After reviewing the affidavit, the court said it did not explain the authorities’ conduct. “Neither has it been disputed about such supernormal prompt action in concluding the proceedings under Section 61 as well as implementing the order within a period of two days (sic),” the court said about the affidavit.
The petitioner argued that the demolition was carried out without giving the mosque management an opportunity to file an appeal, violating due process and Supreme Court guidelines.
The court directed the Kutch collector to remain personally present to explain “what corrective and/or remedial or punitive steps he proposes against the tyrant officer”.