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Rajasthan HC Orders Removal of Illegal Temples from Jaipur Roads and Sidewalks

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks, roads, and other public places in Jaipur. The order came during a PIL hearing concerning a temple built on a public road in Pratap Nagar. The court instructed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation to submit an affidavit detailing steps taken for removal and to demolish the specific temple within seven days. The state government has stated it will study the decision as the matter is subjudice.

Key Points: Rajasthan HC Orders Removal of Illegal Temples in Jaipur

  • Court orders removal of illegal temples from public spaces
  • Idols to be relocated to authorized temples
  • Action sought against officials allowing encroachment
  • Next hearing scheduled for February 4
2 min read

Rajasthan HC orders removal of illegal temples from roads, sidewalks in Jaipur

Rajasthan High Court directs removal of illegally built temples from public spaces in Jaipur and orders idols shifted to legal temples.

"responsibility for granting construction permissions and taking action against illegal constructions lies with the Municipal Corporation - High Court Bench"

Jaipur, Jan 29

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the removal of illegally constructed temples from sidewalks, roads, and other public places in Jaipur, and ordered the state government to shift idols to nearby legally existing temples.

A division bench of Justices Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Sangeeta Sharma passed the order on Thursday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sunny Meena.

The court instructed the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner to submit an affidavit at the next hearing, detailing the steps taken to remove such illegal structures from public spaces across the city.

The High Court also directed the government to issue necessary guidelines for the demolition of illegally constructed temples and for relocating idols to authorised temples. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 4.

The court was hearing a PIL related to a temple constructed on a public thoroughfare in Pratap Nagar Sector-7 in Jaipur. Terming the construction illegal, the bench ordered the removal of the temple within seven days and also sought action against officials responsible for allowing the encroachment.

In his petition, Meena alleged that several shops and a temple had been illegally constructed on a public road in Pratap Nagar Sector-7. He claimed that commercial activities were being carried out under the cover of religious faith.

Following the filing of the PIL, the Municipal Corporation demolished the illegal shops but failed to take action against the temple.

The civic body and other respondents argued before the court that the temple was old and linked to public faith. However, the petitioner submitted recent photographs showing fresh construction at the site, after which the court directed the Deputy Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation to remove the temple and shift the idol to another legal temple within seven days.

During the hearing, Housing Board counsel Ajay Shukla informed the court that the Pratap Nagar area has been handed over to the Municipal Corporation.

The bench observed that responsibility for granting construction permissions and taking action against illegal constructions lies with the Municipal Corporation.

Meanwhile, State Minister Jawahar Singh Bedham said that the state govt will study the decision as it is under subjudice.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I understand the need to clear encroachments, but the authorities must handle this with utmost sensitivity. Simply demolishing is not the answer. The court's direction to shift idols to nearby legal temples is a good, respectful solution.
R
Rohit P
The key point here is "illegal construction." If a temple is built on public land without permission, it's an encroachment, plain and simple. The petitioner is right - you can't use faith as a cover for illegal commercial activities. The officials who allowed this should be held accountable.
S
Sarah B
As someone who lives in Jaipur, the traffic and pedestrian issues caused by these structures are real. It's not just about religion; it's about basic civic planning. Hope this sets a precedent for other cities too.
V
Vikram M
While I support the court's order for uniformity, I hope the implementation is done properly. Sometimes, only smaller temples face action while bigger encroachments by powerful people are ignored. The guidelines must be applied equally to all.
K
Kavya N
This is a delicate issue. Faith is deeply personal for many. The Municipal Corporation should have acted sooner and more transparently. Their argument that it was "old" fell apart when fresh construction was shown. Shows lack of proper monitoring.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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