The Gujarat High Court on Friday granted interim relief to the historic Sachin Palace in Surat, directing the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) not to take any coercive action against the structure until the next hearing scheduled for February 23.
The court also issued notices to the SMC, asking it to file an affidavit in response. The order comes amid efforts by members of the Sachin royal family to safeguard the palace, which was built by the erstwhile rulers of Sachin, from possible demolition.
During the hearing, senior counsel representing the petitioners, including Sidi Mohammed Reza Khan and others, informed the court that the royal family has agreed to surrender a portion of their open land to the SMC. They further expressed willingness to provide additional land or allow a slight adjustment in alignment to ensure the preservation of the palace structure.
Taking note of the petitioners’ submission, the court directed that possession of the surrendered land be taken within seven days. At the same time, it restrained authorities from taking any coercive steps against the palace until the next date of hearing.
The SMC’s counsel argued that the notice issued on October 29, 2025, was in accordance with the land surrender by the petitioner and that due process had been followed.