Gujarat structures razed to clear land grab: Govt

NEW DELHI: Refuting allegation that demolition of Islamic structures in his district was done in violation of a SC order , collector of Gujarat 's Gir Somnath district told SC Wednesday that it was a case of encroachment of public land for which the court had said its approval was not needed. While reserving order on petitions against "bulldozer justice", SC had stayed demolition and said such an exercise would not be carried out without its permission. It, however, made it clear that its order would not be applicable in case of encroachment of public land, and authorities would be free to demolish such illegal structures.

Countering the plea that alleged that demolition was in violation of SC order as prior permission was not taken, the district collector said those structures were illegal and on public land for which prior approval was not needed.