“Why So Much Trust in SMC Commissioner?” HC Raises Red Flag Over Nagarajan’s Continuance

SURAT : The Gujarat High Court has once again raised serious questions over the role of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner M Nagarajan in the controversial Nasirnagar demolition case, questioning whether officials can escape accountability despite allegations of administrative lapses.

Hearing a petition filed by 26 affected residents, the court questioned the state government’s decision to continue with the commissioner’s tenure and observed that such situations create a negative image about governance.

“It is the state’s decision whether to remove the commissioner or not, but what image does it create? It appears that whatever officials do, they cannot be touched,” the court remarked.

The hearing saw heated arguments over whether the demolition of nearly 100 houses at old Nasirnagar near Wade Darwaja in May was legally justified. Petitioners submitted two sale deeds claiming that the demolished property was private land. A lawyer representing the landowner told the court that the land had been surrendered to SMC earlier.

The court questioned the legality of the demolition process and asked whether notices were issued before removing the alleged encroachments.

“Even if there is pressure on a road line, demolition cannot be carried out without following due process,” the court observed.

The state government informed the court that a high-level inquiry committee comprising senior officials had been formed to investigate the matter. The government counsel said the committee would submit a neutral report within the stipulated 60-day period.

However, the court questioned the credibility of the investigation while the SMC commissioner remained in charge.

“As long as the SMC Commissioner is in office, can he not influence the investigation? If you want to reward him by placing him in a higher position, do that too,” the court remarked.

The court also questioned why senior police officers were not included in the inquiry committee and directed the state government to examine the matter seriously.

The controversy began after demolitions were carried out on May 29 and 30, 2026, with heavy police deployment. The action later became a major political and legal issue after residents approached the High Court.

The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for August 10, where the state is expected to respond to the court’s observations and the affidavits submitted by petitioners.