This story is from September 19, 2021

Karnataka govt mulls new policy to raze illegal religious structures, may set up panel

Caught between implementing the apex court’s order and the politics over razing of an illegal temple in Mysuru, the BJP government has abruptly halted the demolition of over 6,300 illegal shrines in the state, including temples, mosques and churches.
Karnataka govt mulls new policy to raze illegal religious structures, may set up panel
Representative image
BENGALURU: Caught between implementing the apex court’s order and the politics over razing of an illegal temple in Mysuru, the BJP government has abruptly halted the demolition of over 6,300 illegal shrines in the state, including temples, mosques and churches.
In a damage-control move, the government is now contemplating a new mechanism to raze illegal religious structures and plans to file an appeal in the high court to seek more time to come out with the policy.
It is also planning to set up a special committee to look into relocation and regularisation of illegal shrines based on the SC order.
“This will be one of the top agendas in the next cabinet meeting likely to be held on Monday,” said a senior Muzrai department official. The government is planning to announce compensation to rebuild the temple demolished at Nanjangud.
By doing so, CM Basavaraj Bommai, who continues to fight internal battles in the party, is looking to keep the Sangh Parivar happy as it is said to be miffed with the decision to raze the temple. He is also hoping to buy time as he doesn’t want the issue to linger ahead of local body polls that will culminate with the assembly polls in 2023.
Activists are, however, worried about the wider ramifications of the state government’s stand. “Bommai should take a cue from his UP counterpart Yogi Adityanath and order removal of all religious structures that encroach upon public roads,” said BM Shiva Kumar, a social activist.
The Adityanath-led government initiated a drive in March to clear about 40,000 illegal shrines though assembly elections are just a few months away, following a directive from Allahabad high court.

“When Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Gujarat CM, he too had removed many shrines abutting roads, for which he had to face opposition of Sangh Parivar organisations. It’s time for Bommai to follow suit,” said social activist G Janardhana.
Removal of illegal religious structures began years after an SC order of 2009. The high court pulled up the government — chief secretary in particular — for not acting on the order for many years. It asked the CS to submit regular action-taken reports and he shot off letters to DCs to initiate the drive.
“Most illegal shrines here are very old and devotees throng them. Though illegal, any action taken against them may snowball into a law and order problem. A dialogue should be initiated with trustees or managers of the shrines and locals before demolishing them,” said a senior minister.
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