Cease Construction On Land Adjoining Lotus Temple And Kalkaji Mandir, Likely To Affect Skyline: Delhi High Court To DDA

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Development Authority to cease construction on a land adjoining the Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Mandir, observing that it is likely to affect skyline in the area.

Dealing with a bunch of pleas concerning redevelopment of Kalkaji temple, Justice Prathiba M Singh perused various photographs and said that large scale construction is being carried out on the land.

Although the DDA claimed that the construction is temporary in nature, the court said that any construction of the nature being undertaken would affect the view of the Lotus Temple.

“Moreover, this land is adjoining the Kalkaji Mandir, the redevelopment of which is being considered,” the court added.

During the course of hearing, the court was apprised that a fresh construction and excavation is being done in the land adjoining the Kalkaji Mandir and the Lotus Temple. It was submitted that the construction activities are being carried out by a third party to whom the land was leased by DDA.

Justice Singh said that though the stand of DDA, since the inception, has been that the Kalkaji Mandir area is a green area, the land suddenly “seems to have been demarcated by DDA on its own and large-scale construction is being undertaken.”

“Accordingly, subject to further examination, and to ensure that the redevelopment of the Kalkaji Mandir is not adversely affected, it is directed that the DDA or the contractor/ licensee on its behalf shall cease construction on this land,” the court ordered.

The court directed DDA to file an affidavit within two weeks giving the details as to when was the last time the land was used for any social and religious functions or whether it was being maintained as a green area by DDA.

The matter will now be heard on May 25.

Case Title: NEETA BHARDWAJ & ORS. v. KAMLESH SHARMA

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 373

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