Delhi HC clears path for demolition of Temple encroaching on public land

The Delhi High Court has cleared the path for the demolition of a 55-year-old “Kali Mata Mandir” at Mayapuri Chowk noting the footpath for pedestrians as also the road has been encroached by the temple which is “not permissible”

The Delhi High Court has cleared the path for the demolition of a 55-year-old “Kali Mata Mandir” at Mayapuri Chowk here noting that the footpath for pedestrians as also the road has been encroached by the temple which is “not permissible”.

Justice Prathiba M. Singh, however, permitted the priest and the caretaker of the temple to remove the idols and other religious objects in the temple within one week.

“After May 20, 2023, the PWD (Public Works Department) is free to carry out the demolition and remove the unauthorised construction. No impediment shall be caused by the Petitioner or anyone on behalf of the Petitioner in the same,” the High Court ordered.

The High Court further asked the local police to render full assistance in the process in order to maintain law and order.

The Court’s order came while rejecting the plea of Durga P. Mishra, who claims to be the priest and the caretaker of the temple, challenging a notice issued by PWD on April 25 by for demolishing the temple at Mayapuri Chowk.

Ms. Mishra has also challenged the decision of the Religious Committee of March 10, 2022, where the decision to demolish the temple was made. She contended that the temple does not affect the flow of the traffic in the area and it is because of the vehicles which are parked behind the temple in the shopping area, that the flow of the traffic is affected.

On a query from the Court, she admitted that the temple, existing on the main road near Junk Market towards Mayapuri Chowk to Lajwanti Chowk, is on public land. Additionally, the sketch and the photographs of the area made it clear that the temple was on government land, the judge noted.