Surat: The Disturbed Areas Act has been in force in the old city areas, preventing the sale of property to a member of another community in Hindu-dominated areas without the Collector’s approval. In one such case, Hindu residents of Salabatpura protested the sale of a property in violation of the Disturbed Areas Act, after which the Prant Officer sealed the property.

In Salabatpura, a property belonging to Kavitaben Jariwala (Ward No. 3, City Survey No. 1303-A and 1455) was sold to Zarina Bibi Mohmand Qasim Battiwala. However, when local residents became aware of the transaction, they strongly opposed the sale to a member of another community, as the area falls under the Disturbed Areas Act. Despite their objection, the sale proceeded, prompting the Prant Officer to reject the property transfer application under the Disturbed Areas Act. However, the parties went ahead with the sale, and Kalavatiben Jariwala unlawfully transferred possession of the property to Zarina Bibi Battiwala.

Upon learning of this, local residents raised concerns with the Deputy Collector and Prant Officer, alleging that the property had been occupied illegally, violating Sections 5-A, 5-B, and 5-C of the Disturbed Areas Act. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, the City Prant Officer ordered the Katargam Mamlatdar to seal the property. DeshGujarat