The Gujarat High Court has stepped in to protect a piece of Surat's royal history, directing the city's civic body to refrain from any forceful measures against the historic Palace of Sachin. This interim order comes after members of the erstwhile royal family of the Nawab of Sachin approached the court, challenging a land acquisition process that threatened the demolition of their ancestral palace.
Court's Interim Protection for Heritage Structure
On Friday, a bench at the Gujarat High Court issued a notice to the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and orally directed that "no coercive action" be taken concerning the palace until the next hearing. The matter is now scheduled for a detailed hearing on February 23.
The plea was filed by Sidi Mohammed Reza Khan, Sidi Mohammed Faisal Khan, and Farah Nasrulla Khan against the SMC and the Executive Engineer of the South Zone, B Kanakpur. Their primary request was for the court to direct the SMC to alter the marking of the land acquisition to spare the palace from being razed.
Willingness to Surrender Land, But Save the Palace
During the proceedings, the senior advocate representing the petitioners presented a crucial concession. He informed the court that the royal family members were "agreed to surrender" an open area plot of land. Alternatively, they expressed willingness for the acquisition boundary to be shifted slightly upward, a minor adjustment that would preserve the constructed palace.
The court's order recorded the petitioners' stance, noting, "The petitioners are not against surrender of the land. The only request… for surrender in upward measurement would save the constructed palace… or alternative land available to the petitioner." This refers to a notice dated October 29, 2025, regarding the possession of the surrendered land area, which was to be taken within seven days.
The advocate for the SMC submitted that necessary action would proceed once the petitioners formally surrendered the land in question.
A Palace Steeped in History and Architecture
Known as the Quasre Sultan Summer Palace or the Palace of Sachin, this structure is a significant cultural landmark. It stands as a testament to the opulence and unique heritage of the Sachin dynasty, which has Abyssinian (Ethiopian) roots.
Constructed between 1905 and 1911 under the reign of Nawab Sidi Ibrahim Khan III, the palace was envisioned as a serene retreat for the Nawabs. Its architecture is a notable example of early Indo-French Gothic style, blending distinct design elements into a harmonious whole. The palace's official website describes it as a reflection of this architectural fusion, marking it as a vital piece of Surat's historical tapestry.
The court's intervention has temporarily halted the civic body's plans, providing a window for legal resolution that could balance developmental needs with the imperative of preserving Gujarat's rich architectural and royal legacy.
