Maintenance Of Kalkaji Temple Complex: Delhi High Court Seeks Report On Creation Of Shops, Basic Civic Amenities For Devotees

The Delhi High Court has sought a report on the the creation of shops as well as the basic civic amenities available for devotees inside city's Kalkaji Temple complex.

Justice Pratibha M Singh directed the Court appointed architect to submit a comprehensive report after a meeting with administrator, Retired Justice JR Midha on or before 20th December, 2021.

The Court also issued directives in respect of all the shopkeepers, in occupation of the temple premises and were running shops, but were not using the premises for residential purposes.

Taking note of the fact that all the shopkeepers were acceptable to vacate the existing spaces in their occupation, it directed the shopkeepers to give undertakings in the format given by administrator for the purpose of vacation and consideration for reallotment.

"Upon their articles and belongings being removed, the Administrator shall, along with the cooperation of the civic agencies including the SDMC, DDA, Delhi police and all other governmental authorities whose assistance would be requisitioned by the ld. Administrator, remove all the unauthorised construction/encroachment in the area and fully clear up the area that has been occupied by the shopkeepers. The said clearing up shall be completed on or before 25th December 2021," the Court added.

With regards to the persons residing in the temple premises, the Court directed that they shall vacate their residences along with their families on or before 25th December, 2021. 

The Court added that the families asked to move their residences, may contact the official of DUSIB for allotment of night shelter.

"It is however made clear that irrespective of the allotment of the said shelters/ alternate accommodation, the families in the residences at the Mandir shall vacate the space occupied by them, on or before 25th December, 2021," it said.

The matter will now be considered on December 21.

The development came after the Court had earlier this week issued additional directions for removal of unauthorised encroachments by shopkeepers and residents inside the and also regarding portable drinking water facilities for devotees.

The Court was of the opinion that the shopkeepers who had made their residences and were in unauthorised occupation of shops including the Dharamshala need to be vacated.

The Court had also requested the Court appointed architect to inspect and survey the entire temple premises and suggest an alternate place where the shops may be temporarily run till the final plan for the re-development of the Mandir is approved.

It had further added that in case the shopkeepers file their undertakings to the effect that they would not occupy or reside in the temple premises, the Court could consider their undertakings and pass directions on the next date of hearing. Subsequently, the above mentioned directions were passed.

Earlier, 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.

The Court had previously 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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