Supreme Court allows demolition of illegal Shiva Temple

While allowing the order of demolition of the Pracheen Shiva Mandir (Ancient Shiva Temple) located near Taj Enclave at Geeta Colony, the Delhi High Court had said that Lord Shiva does not need the Court’s protection, and it is “we, the people” who seek Lord Shiva’s protection and blessings".

The High Court had also said that Lord Shiva would be happier if Yamuna riverbed and floodplain is cleared of encroachments and illegal constructions.

“The half-hearted plea by the learned counsel for the petitioner that Lord Shiva, being the deity of the temple, must be also impleaded in the present matter is a desperate attempt to give an altogether different colour to the entire dispute to sub-serve the vested interest of its members. It goes without saying that Lord Shiva does not need our protection; rather, we, the people, seek his protection and blessings. There could be no iota of doubt that Lord Shiva would be happier if the Yamuna River bed and the flood plains areas are cleared of all encroachments and unauthorised construction,” Justice Dharmesh Sharma had said.

Justice Sharma had further observed that the mere fact that prayers are offered at the temple every day and there are special events on certain festive occasions, would not convert the temple in question to a place of public significance.