'Maintenance Of Kalkaji Temple Complex Quite Dismal': Delhi High Court Directs Local Commissioner To Ascertain Collections, Working Of CCTVs

The Delhi High Court has once again expressed concern over the "dismal" maintenance of the Kalkaji Temple in the national capital. It has 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.

Justice Pratibha M Singh also reiterated that the reports submitted by previous Receivers and local commissioner show that the cleanliness and maintenance of the temple complex was not satisfactory.

"The Baris are being auctioned by the Baridars and the grievance is that proper distribution of the donations and collections is not being done," the Court added.

Counsel appearing for the applicants submitted that since the CCTV cameras inside the Temple premises were damaged, there was no way of ascertaining the amounts of donations and collections taking place.

Therefore, the Court directed that the CCTV cameras damaged, as indicated in report of the Local Commissioner dated 1st August 2021, shall be immediately repaired by the Baridars, before the commencement of bari on 18th August 2021.

Coming to a larger issue, the Court noted that there was a huge pendency due to multiplicity of various cases emerging out of the aforesaid disputes in relation to the temple before district courts.

"There is a need to streamline the said matters so that multiplicity can be avoided and judicial time can also be conserved. Further the facilities for the devotees visiting the temple need to be provided for properly," the order stated.

The matter is listed for September 1.

Earlier, 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.

In an earlier development, the Supreme Court had commended the previous order of the High Court appointing court receivers in respect of the donations received at the temple.

"It is a very good order by Justice Pratibha Singh. It is a tough action, necessary to bring order to such places," Justice DY Chandrachud had remarked.

Title: NEETA BHARDWAJ & ORS. v. KAMLESH SHARMA

Click Here To Read Order