Delhi High Court Dismisses Appeal Against Single Judge Order Refusing To Interfere With Demolition Of Kali Mata Temple

The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed an appeal challenging a single judge order which refused to interfere with the demolition of 55-year-old Kali Mata Mandir at city’s Mayapuri Chowk to be carried out by the Public Works Department.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad also refused to extend the time period for shifting idols and other religious objects from the temple to other temples.

The single judge on May 11 refused to interfere with demolition of the temple after considering that the religious committee had directed its removal because it was unauthorised and obstructed the free flow of traffic.

The appeal was moved by one Durga P. Mishra, priest and caretaker of the temple, challenging the single judge order. 

Mishra also challenged a notice issued by PWD on April 25 and the minutes of meeting of the Religious Committee which took the decision to demolish the temple.

Mishra was represented by Advocate Sunil Fernandes.

The single judge had permitted Mishra to remove the idols and other religious objects in the temple within one week so that they can be placed in other temples as directed by the Religious Committee.

Case title: Durga P. Mishra v. Govt of NCT Delhi & anr

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 420