Delhi High Court: Delhi High Court refuses to interfere in the case of demolition of temple in Mayapuri, Court said – remove idols from the temple within a week

Delhi High Court: The Delhi High Court has recently refused to interfere in the demolition of the 55-year-old Kali Mata Temple at Mayapuri Chowk. The Delhi High Court took note of the recommendations of a religious committee. In which it was said that the structure of the temple should be removed, as it is unauthorized and obstructing the traffic.

A single judge bench of Justice Pratiba Singh was hearing a petition filed by the priest and caretaker of Kali Mata Temple at Mayapuri Chowk on May 11. Justice Singh allowed the priest and caretaker of the temple to remove the idols and other religious things in the temple within a week. The Court ordered that the Public Works Department is at liberty to remove the unauthorized construction after May 20.

The High Court dismissed the petitioner’s appeal

Justice said that the petitioner or anyone from his side will not create any disturbance regarding this. In carrying out the order, the High Court has asked the police to render full assistance in maintaining law and order. The court order came during the dismissal of Durga P Mishra’s petition. He said that though the temple is on public land, it does not affect the traffic in the area. He said that traffic is affected due to vehicles parked in the shopping area behind the temple.

The court said that it was clear from the sketch and photographs of the area that the temple was on government land. In reality, the footpath for pedestrians as well as the road has been encroached upon by the temple which is not permissible. This affects traffic.

Instructions to remove idols from the temple in a week

The court, taking into account the recommendations of the religious committee, said that the temple structure is unauthorized and situated on the main road”. The court said, “It is obstructing the traffic. The court ordered that the unauthorized religious structure should be removed. The court asked the priest to remove the idols and other religious items from the temple within a week as directed by the religious committee, so that they can be placed in other temples.

PWD can start action after May 20

Disposing of the petition, the High Court said that the PWD is free to carry out demolition and removal of unauthorized constructions after May 20. The Court said that no obstruction would be caused by the petitioner or by any person. The Court directed the local police to provide full assistance in the process to maintain law and order.