Kalkaji Temple : Delhi High Court Seeks Delhi Govt's Status Report On Removal Of Encroachments, Management Of Devotees

The Delhi High Court has sought status report from the Delhi Government on the aspect of removal of encroachments and management of devotees in the Kalkaji temple complex.

The development came after Justice Pratibha M Singh was apprised that the police was not providing complete cooperation regarding the removal of encroachments and management of the devotees.

"Accordingly, let today's order be communicated to Mr. Sanjay Lao, Standing Counsel (Criminal) for GNCTD, in order to enable him to obtain instructions, and file a status report in respect thereof, before the next date of hearing. Mr. Lao shall also be present on the next date of hearing," the Court ordered.

The Court had in September issued slew of directions regarding the administration and maintenance of Kalkaji Temple as also for resolution of disputes pertaining to the bari rights between baridaars to ensure smooth functioning of the temple.

Observing that there is a need to streamline the manner in which offerings and donations are made in the temple by the devotees, the Court had directed that all encroachments in the temple premises, complex and peripheral areas be removed.

During the course of hearing, the Court was also informed that an interim report was received from the Administrator which was appointed in the matter. 

A request was also made by the Administrator for opening of an additional bank account. However, due to the fact that various Review Applications challenging the said order was filed by various parties, the Court was of the view that it will consider the aspect on the next date of hearing.

The Court also heard a review plea filed by one Mahant Surender Nath, claiming to be representing Thok Jogian, seeking review of the September order in respect of his submissions on the ownership of the Mandir land on the ground that it was incomplete and inaccurate.

It was also his case that he did not support any mechanism of the beautification, renovation and redevelopment of the complex but only consented for removal of encroachments, cleaning of the Mandir and laying of sanitation and sewage. It was also submitted that he never consented to the appointment of an independent Administrator.

"None of the Counsel, including Mr. Mirza, ld. Counsel for the Applicant, raised any objection in respect of the appointment of an independent Administrator. In fact, owing to the deplorable condition in the Kalkaji Mandir, there was consensus that an independent Administrator would be needed for looking after the Mandir. Accordingly, the same does not deserve to be modified," the Court ordered.

The matter will now be considered on November 15.

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

It was also 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 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.

Title: NEETA BHARDWAJ & ORS. v. KAMLESH SHARMA

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