Maintenance And Renovation Of Kalkaji Temple Complex- High Court Seeks Response Of Delhi Government, SDMC

The Delhi High Court has sought response of Delhi Government and South Delhi Municipal Corporation with respect to the maintenance and renovation of Kalkaji Temple complex.

Justice Pratibha M Singh was apprised by Delhi Jal Board that till date, a total amount of Rs. 4,57,73,005 was deposited by various baridaars and that two more cheques were received which have not been encashed yet.

Under the instructions of it's Executive Engineer, the Delhi Jal Board had also informed the Court that a sum of Rs. 4.57 Crores have already been spent by it under the heads of internal sewer system, infrastructure charges and Peripheral sewer system.

Further, all the counsels appearing in the case informed the Court that the sewerage system in the area of the Kalkaji Mandir was not in a good working condition and that most of the pipelines which were laid were blocked.

The Court was also informed that there existed no sewerage system in the temple despite all baridaars having deposited a substantial sum with the Delhi Jal Board.

On this, the Delhi Jal Board submitted that any repair work which needs to be carried out shall be carried out under the appropriate orders of the Court. 

Hearing suggestions on the issue of development and renovation of the temple complex, the Court ordered thus:

"Let Court notice be issued to Mr. Arun Birbal, ld. Standing Counsel, SDMC and to Mr. Sanjay Lao, ld. Standing Counsel (Crml.), GNCTD for the next date."

Accordingly, the matter was adjourned to September 8.

Earlier, the Court had expressed concern over the "dismal" maintenance of 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.

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

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