Supreme Court orders status quo on eviction of 10,000 slum dwellers in Gujarat

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Gujarat government to maintain status quo with regard to demolition of 5,000 jhuggis in the State which would lead to eviction of 10,000 slum dwellers (Utran se Besthan Railway Jhopadpatti Vikas Mandal v. Government of India).

A Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justice Surya Kant also listed the appeal against a Gujarat High Court order in this regard for hearing tomorrow.

The order was passed after an urgent mentioning was made by Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves pointing out that High Court recently vacated a stay order which had been in force since 2016 and the demolition of the jhuggis will start today.

"The High Court had granted a stay in 2016. It was vacated," he submitted seeking a status quo.

The Court initially said that it will list the case day after tomorrow and was reluctant to grant any interim relief.

"Demolition will start today. By tonight, everything will be smashed," Gonsalves submitted pressing for a status quo until the matter is heard.

The plea in Supreme Court was filed by Advocate Satya Mitra.

The Court then proceeded to list the matter for tomorrow while ordering status quo.

"List the matter on August 25, 2021 before an appropriate Bench. Till August 25, the concerned authorities are directed to maintain status quo," the order said.

[Read Order]