Maintenance Of Kalkaji Temple: Delhi High Court Calls For Meeting Between Administrator & Baridaars As Interim Measure For Redevelopment

The Delhi High Court has called for a meeting between the administrator, i.e., Retired Justice JR Midha, and the Baridaars as an interim measure for the purpose of redevelopment of city's Kalkaji Temple complex.

Perusing the comprehensive report submitted by the Court appointed Architect, Justice Pratibha M Singh stated the following measures:

- On 3rd January 2022, all baridaars may approach the ld. Administrator and hold a meeting with him, in respect of the development and creation of temporary structures for shops and kiosks. The said meeting shall be at 2 pm at the office of the ld. Administrator in Kalkaji Mandir.

- On 5th January 2022, an interaction may be held by the ld. Administrator with all shopkeepers. The shopkeepers may also be assisted by their counsels in the said meeting, albeit in small numbers. The said meeting shall also be at 2 pm at the office of the ld. Administrator in Kalkaji Mandir.

- On the basis of the plan and budget prepared by the ld. Architect, the ld. Administrator may also hold a meeting, on 7th January 2022, with the officials of the SDMC, DDA, Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Fire Services to ensure that the plans for creation of temporary structures to enable the entire Kalkaji Mandir premises to be reorganized and redeveloped temporarily, are in compliance with the applicable regulations which are followed by these civic agencies. The said meeting shall also be at 2 pm at the office of the ld. Administrator in Kalkaji Mandir.

The Court added that the bids may be submitted by various shopkeepers or other allottees interested in obtaining either the temporary shops or temporary kiosks, as per the public notice released by the Administrator.

It also said that on the basis of the bids received, the Administrator may prepare a list of all such persons who are willing to take allotment of these shops or kiosks. The Court said that the baridaars would also be required to contribute for the creation of the said temporary structures, exact ratio of which shall be finalised by the Administrator.

"Finally, on the basis of the bids received and discussions with baridaars, the shopkeepers, the Civic Agencies and the ld. Architect, the ld. Administrator shall place on record a final report for creation of temporary structures (shops and kiosks) at the Kalkaji Mandir, for this Court's consideration and approval," the Court ordered.

The matter will now be heard on 14th January, 2022 for perusal of the report for creation of temporary shops or kiosks.

Previously, the Court had slew of directions regarding the administration and maintenance of the temple as also for resolution of disputes pertaining to the bari rights between baridaars to ensure smooth functioning of the temple.

It had expressed concerns over the "dismal" maintenance of the temple and had also asked the local commissioner to ascertain the collections/donations made to the Temple and check whether CCTV cameras installed inside its premises are operational.

It was reiterated that the reports submitted by previous Receivers and local commissioner showed that the cleanliness and maintenance of the temple complex was not satisfactory.

The Court had sought a report on the the creation of shops as well as the basic civic amenities available for devotees inside the temple premises. It directed the Court appointed architect to submit a comprehensive report after a meeting with administrator.

It had appointed a local commissioner for paying surprise visits in the Temple in respect of ascertaining conduct of 'puja sewa', collection of offerings being put in donation boxes and also other issues regarding cleanliness, hygiene and facilities for devotees.

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

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