The Gujarat High Court has directed the state government to ensure a Muslim trader is allowed to access and operate his legally owned shop located in a Hindu-majority locality in Vadodara, reported the Times of India. The court reminded the government that it is its constitutional duty to maintain law and order and protect citizens’ right to carry on their livelihood without fear or discrimination.
The order was issued by Justice H.D. Suthar in favor of petitioner OnaliDholkawala, who has been facing relentless obstruction from local residents ever since purchasing a shop near ChampanerDarwaza in 2016. Although he acquired the property legally from two Hindu brothers, the registration process faced delays due to the area falling under the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provisions of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, 1991, which mandates permission from the district collector.
Despite getting the sale deed registered in 2020 after a previous court order, Dholkawala continued to face hostility. Locals challenged the sale solely on religious grounds, arguing that allowing a Muslim to own property in the area would disrupt the “demographic balance” and lead to communal tensions.
In February 2023, the High Court dismissed the residents’ plea and imposed a ₹25,000 fine on each of the two litigants….”
[Read more on Radiancenews.com]