261 Unauthorized Religious Structures Removed, 28 Relocated, 98 Regularized, Continuous Steps Being Taken: State To Gujarat High Court

The Gujarat High Court was informed by the State Government on Wednesday (July 30) that 261 unauthorized religious structures have been removed, 28 have been relocated and whereas 98 have been regularized, adding that as the process is continuous the State shall continue to take all possible steps in this regard. 

During the hearing advocate PR Abhichandani appearing in the matter informed the court that an affidavit has been filed by the Joint Secretary regarding removal of religious structures which were encroaching public areas. He submitted that as per the affidavit 1,177 notices have been issued, 328 published in local newspapers. 

Meanwhile Advocate General Kamal Trivedi appearing for the state submitted that "261" religious structures have been removed, "28 have been relocated" and "98" structures have been regularized. 

Taking note of the affidavit, division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray thereafter in its order dictated:

"Progress made in the matter have been brought on record by affidavit dated 22-07-2025 of the Joint Secretary, Home Department, Government of Gujarat. On the statement made in the affidavit that the removal or regularization or relocation of unauthorized religious structures is a continuing and ongoing process and the State will continue to undertake all possible steps, we post the matter on November 12". 

The court was hearing a 2006 plea concerning unauthorized constructions and encroachments in the State.

The matter is next listed on November 12. 

In February the high court had asked the State to collect and report on the decisions taken by the committees constituted in municipal corporations and districts over the last quarter, in respect of removal/rehabilitation/regularization of unauthorized religious structures found in public places. The State had then informed the court that 458 notices have been issued on the occupants of unauthorized religious structures on public streets, parks and other public places. 

Case Title: The Times of India (Suo-Motu) vs The State of Gujarat & Ors.

Case Number: SCA/9686 of 2006