New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Bombay High Court Registrar to explain why a petition challenging a demolition notice against the Satpeer Dargah in Nashik was not listed for urgent hearing.
The notice had been issued by the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi expressed concern over the delay, noting the urgency of the matter as the religious site was at risk of demolition. While staying the demolition notice, the bench observed that the plea had been filed on April 8 and had been repeatedly sought to be listed since April 9.
“We fail to understand what has transpired from April 9 till today. The counsel submits that efforts were made daily to get the matter listed,” the Court said.
Given the petitioner’s claim that the matter had not been heard at all, the Supreme Court took the unusual step of staying the demolition. However, the judges also warned the petitioner’s counsel of the seriousness of the claim.
“We are not sure of the accuracy of this claim, and if indeed the High Court ignored repeated listing requests. The counsel must take full responsibility for the consequences of making such a statement,” the bench remarked.
The Court has now directed the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court to submit a report on the status of the petition’s listing.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 21.
The Dargah has been at the center of controversy amid an ongoing demolition drive by local authorities. The petitioner contended that despite filing the plea on April 8, the case has not been listed for hearing.
Senior Advocate Navin Pahwa and Advocate-on-Record Jasmeet Singh represented the petitioner.
