Maintenance Of Kalkaji Temple Complex- Delhi HC Directs SDMC, Police To Conduct Join Inspection; Seeks Report On Unauthorised Construction

The Delhi High Court has directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Delhi Police to conduct a joint inspection and submit a report highlighting the unauthorized construction and occupation in the entire Kalkaji Temple complex.

Justice Pratibha M Singh also directed that the report must contain recommendations as to how the access to and movement in the temple can be made smoother for the devotees and regulated better, in view of the forthcoming Navratras.

"The DCP, South Delhi and Commissioner, SDMC to depute respective teams for carrying out the joint inspection. Let the said report be placed before this Court within two weeks," the Court said.

The Court had earlier this week sought response of Delhi Government and South Delhi Municipal Corporation with respect to the maintenance and renovation of the Temple complex.

The Court also directed the counsel appearing for SDMC to place on record any plan which the municipal corporation has prepared, for the redevelopment and beautification of temple.

Taking note of the fact that the offerings received by the temple were lying in Temple's locker without being distributed, the Court directed that the share of five women shall be deposited with the Registrar General of the Court, until issues with regards to their right to conduct puja sewa are finally decided.

With regards to the remaining collection from offerings, the Court directed that such a distribution of shares shall take place before the Local Commissioner who shall visit the temple on September 17.

"The baridaars shall receive their respective shares personally, or the same shall be received by the persons authorized by the baridaars, upon producing documents proving authorisation which would be verified by the LC," the Court added.

The Court has also directed the Delhi Jal Board to place on record the details of the tender that were floated for execution of sewerage work in the temple area.

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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