The Supreme Court of India has recently directed the Gujarat government to limit the height of a compound wall being constructed near the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district. The court, in its ruling on Monday, April 28, 2025, specified that the wall, intended to prevent encroachment, should be no more than five to six feet high.

The decision was delivered by a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih, during a hearing regarding alleged alterations at a demolition site near the temple. The matter arose from a petition contesting the construction of the compound wall, with the petitioner claiming that a 12-foot-high wall was being erected, violating previous assurances given to the court. Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing the petitioner, argued that such a tall structure would alter the land's character and impede oversight of the area, raising concerns about activities occurring behind it.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Gujarat, countered that the claims of a 12-foot wall were merely "oral assertions" by the petitioner's counsel, without concrete evidence. He clarified that the wall was solely to protect the land from future encroachments and that no religious or other activities were being conducted on the site. Mehta emphasized that the government was not building a "fort" and that a compound wall was a standard measure to protect government land from unauthorized occupation.

Justice Gavai responded to the arguments by stating, "Don't have a 12-feet wall. If you are protecting it, five feet, six feet is enough." The bench questioned the necessity of a 12-foot wall, suggesting that a more reasonable height would suffice for preventing encroachment. Justice Gavai also pointed out that modern surveillance technology, such as drones, could be used to monitor the area effectively. He lightheartedly cautioned against exaggerating the situation, remarking, "It is not a Great Wall of China. Let us not sensationalize."

The Supreme Court's intervention underscores its concern with maintaining a balance between security and aesthetics, ensuring that measures taken to prevent encroachment are reasonable and do not unduly alter the character of the land. The Court has scheduled a further hearing for May 20, 2025, allowing the petitioner to approach the court if any additional unauthorized constructions are carried out beyond the permitted wall.

This ruling is part of a series of legal proceedings concerning demolitions and construction activities in the Gir Somnath district. Previously, the Supreme Court had addressed petitions related to the demolition of structures, including a Muslim shrine, and had emphasized that any actions in contempt of its orders would be met with the restoration of the demolished structures. In a related matter, the court had rejected a plea to conduct the "Urs" festival at a demolished dargah in the same area, citing the removal of all unauthorized constructions, including temples, from the government-owned land.