The Rajasthan High Court has instructed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks, roads, and public areas in Jaipur. This directive includes shifting idols to nearby legally established temples. The court issued this order during a hearing on a public interest litigation filed by Sunny Meena.
The Jaipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner has been directed to provide an affidavit in the next hearing outlining the actions taken to eliminate such unauthorized structures in the city. Additionally, the High Court mandated the state government to formulate guidelines for the demolition of these illegal temples and the relocation of idols to authorized places. The case is set for further proceedings on February 4.
In response to a PIL concerning a temple built on a public thoroughfare in Pratap Nagar Sector-7, Jaipur, the court deemed the construction unauthorized. It ordered the removal of the temple within a week and called for action against officials permitting such encroachments.
The petitioner, Meena, alleged the illegal construction of shops and a temple on a public road in Pratap Nagar Sector-7. He highlighted that commercial activities were being conducted under the guise of religious practices. Following the PIL, the Municipal Corporation demolished the illegal shops but did not address the temple.
During the court proceedings, it was argued that the temple had historical significance and was associated with public faith. However, recent photographs presented by the petitioner displayed new construction at the site, leading the court to instruct the Deputy Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation to dismantle the temple and relocate the idol within seven days.
The responsibility for granting construction permissions and tackling illegal constructions was emphasized to lie with the Municipal Corporation by the bench. State Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham mentioned that the state government would review the decision as it is currently sub judice.
