Overview
- The Supreme Court issued a status quo order, temporarily halting the demolition of the Bale Shah Peer Dargah in Uttan, Thane district, for four weeks.
- The decision follows a petition by the Balepeer Shah Charitable Trust, which argued that no formal demolition order or due process was followed by the state authorities.
- Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had publicly announced the demolition would occur by May 20, despite the absence of a legal notice.
- The Trust claims the century-old dargah has been peacefully managed for decades and sought legal recognition of its occupancy in 2022, which was rejected in 2024 due to insufficient documentation.
- The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government to file its response, with the next hearing scheduled in four weeks.