Bombay High Court Halts Demolition at Vishalgad Fort Amidst Monsoon and Violence

The Bombay High Court has ordered a halt to demolitions around Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur during the monsoon season following violent anti-encroachment protests. The court issued strict directives to authorities, warning against any breaches. Petitioners pushed for an SIT investigation into the July 14 violence involving right-wing activists.

The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the Maharashtra government and police to halt any demolitions around the Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur during the monsoon season. This comes days after an anti-encroachment drive there turned violent.

On July 14, a mob hurled stones at police personnel and damaged properties during the drive, leading to cases being registered against 500 people and the arrest of 21. Right-wing supporters from Pune were stopped at the fort's base due to prohibitory orders, which sparked the violence.

A division bench, headed by Justice B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, emphasized that no residential or commercial structures should be demolished. Government pleader P P Kakade assured compliance with the state's circular to halt demolitions during the rainy season, promising no action against anyone's premises in the fort area regardless of their petition status.

The court expressed significant concerns about the July 14 violence, asking the senior inspector of Shahuwadi police station to report the authorities' actions against those involved. The bench accepted Kakade's statement and extended the ban on demolitions until September, warning of legal consequences for any breach.