This story is from December 9, 2021

Remove all illegal encroachments from Kalkaji temple, orders Delhi HC

Delhi High Court has ordered removal of illegal encroachments from inside Kalkaji temple premises, saying that these “erode the spiritual sanctity” of the religious place.
Remove all illegal encroachments from Kalkaji temple, orders Delhi HC
Representative image
NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court has ordered removal of illegal encroachments from inside Kalkaji temple premises, saying that these “erode the spiritual sanctity” of the religious place.
The court was recently taking stock of progress in streamlining the running of the temple. It issued directions earlier on removal of encroachments and unauthorised constructions, the process of collection of donations and offerings and on redevelopment of the mandir, and the provision of civic amenities for the devotees.
“This court is of the opinion that insofar as the shopkeepers who have made their residences and are in unauthorised occupation of shops are concerned, all the residents of the shops and within the mandir premises, including the Dharamshala, have to be vacated,” justice Prathiba Singh noted, fixing December 10 as the day for the court-appointed administrator to start work.

“The spiritual sanctity of the mandir is completely eroded by all the stakeholders, unauthorised occupants, encroachments by shopkeepers, lack of cleanliness and hygiene, lack of basic amenities to devotees,” the court further noted, explaining why it had to appoint an administrator to look after the administration of Kalkaji Mandir.
The court had earlier directed that all unauthorised occupants/encroachers, who do not enjoy valid tehbazari licences, be removed, until and unless there is a court order protecting the occupant.
The bench had said it is essential for a temple, where thousands of devotees visit for conducting puja every day, irrespective of its public or private status, to be devoid of unauthorised encroachments, which results in extreme inconvenience and safety and security concerns for the devotees.
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