Surat: A controversy has arisen in the Chok Bazaar area of Surat after a property adjacent to a 150-year-old Jain temple, the Adeshwar Dada Derasar, was sold by Vijay Zaveri to a person of a different faith. The sale has sparked outrage among the local residents.

The property transfer requires approval from the Provincial Officer under the ‘Disturbed Areas Act’ (also known as the ‘Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act’). Hearings have begun regarding the objections raised by local residents.

On Tuesday, residents living near the temple submitted an objection application to the Provincial Officer, demanding that permission under the ‘Disturbed Areas Act’ not be granted.

The Chok Bazaar Dariya Mahal area falls under the ‘Disturbed Areas Act’. This Act mandates that property sales in such areas require prior permission from the authorities.

The property in question belongs to Vijay Motilal Zaveri and is located next to the 150-year-old Adeshwar Derasar. Locals allege that Zaveri sold the property to a person of a different faith and applied for permission to transfer the ownership.

This is reportedly the second time such an application has been filed. An earlier request was rejected. Following the current application, hearings have commenced regarding the objections raised by local residents.

On Tuesday, over 100 residents gathered at the Collector’s office to protest the sale. They argued that the area is predominantly Hindu and requested that permission under the ‘Disturbed Areas Act’ not be granted. DeshGujarat