Delhi High Court Stays Demolition Of Wazirabad Road Hanuman Temple, Seeks Status Report From Police

The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed the demolition of an old two-storey Hanuman temple situated at Loni road of city’s North-East region.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the authorities to not take any coercive action of removing the temple in terms of a letter issued by Public Works Department on May 03.

“In the meanwhile, no cocrcive action will be taken by any of the respondents (Government Authority) to remove the Hanuman Temple under the letter dated 03.05.2023 issued by PWD till the next date of hearing,” the court said while listing the matter for hearing on August 09.

The court was hearing a plea moved by one Pradeep Kumar Sharma seeking to restrain the Delhi Government and PWD from demolishing or vacating the temple.

Sharma told the court that the temple, which according to him was constructed long before 1940 as per the Government records, has been looked after and maintained by his family for more than last 60 years.

The notice issued by PWD to Sharma stated that the religious structure is built upon Government land and thus, the same will be deemed to be unauthorized construction.

As per the notice, the temple caretakers were advised to vacate the premises by May 15, failing which the Delhi Government and PWD warned them of “severe consequences.” It was also claimed that there has been traffic related issues in the area due to the temple.

The plea also sought a direction to transfer the matter to the Religious Committee for further consideration and action, and also to appoint a Court Commissioner to ascertain whether the temple is causing congestion of traffic in the area in question.

During the course of hearing today, the counsel appearing for Delhi Government sought time to seek instructions if any meeting can take place for resolving the dispute.

While issuing notice to the authorities, the court directed the SHO of Gokulpuri police station to file a status report including the status regarding the traffic problems stated to be arising out due to the temple in the area.

Advocates Rizwan, Azadar Husain, Nistha Sinha and Sachi Chopra appeared for the petitioner.

Title: PRADEEP KUMAR SHARMA v. GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI THROUGH SECRETARY & ORS.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 397