Karnataka HC Directs Govt. To File Report On Action Taken Against Illegal Religious Structures In Public Places

The Karnataka High Court has directed state government to inform by August 16, whether it has carried out any exercise of identifying illegal religious structures, built post-September 29, 2009, on public streets, parks or any other public places, across the state.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice H T Narendra Prasad also directed the government to submit a report stating action taken against illegal religious structures, till now. Advocate General Udaya Holla, whom the court had on the last hearing asked to appear, sought six weeks time to file a detailed status report and place on record compliance reports if any filed in the Supreme Court, of action taken. He also said that a meeting was held with government officials on Monday to discuss the issue at hand and action will be initiated.

The bench is hearing a suo motu, petition about the implementation of an apex court order. The directive issued to all states is to demolish illegal religious structures, built post-September 29, 2009.

The bench also has asked the state to inform whether a policy decision is taken in regards to illegal religious structures, which have come up prior to September 2009. The court clarified that "Pendency of petition will not stop state and its authorities from demolishing illegal religious structures."