The Supreme Court has directed the Gujarat government to file a survey report of the religious sites which were damaged and destroyed during the 2002 riots in the state. A two judge Bench yesterday also asked the state government to quantify the amount needed for building and repairing those sites that were affected by the riots.

The apex court gave the directions on an appeal filed by the Gujarat government challenging a Gujarat High Court order directing it to pay compensation for damage and destruction of the religious sites.

At the very start of the proceedings, the Gujarat government said that the state exchequer could not be used for building and repairing religious sites. The Bench, however said, it would look into the issue. The Court posted the matter for further hearing on July 30.