Delhi High Court Upholds Removal of Illegally Built Shiva Temple on DDA Park Land

Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea Against Removal of Illegal Shiva Temple

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Avinesh Kumar challenging the removal of a Shiva temple allegedly built illegally on public park land owned by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The court emphasized that the petitioner had no legal right or title to the land in question, upholding the DDA’s decision to remove the unauthorized structure.

 Unlawful Encroachment on Public Land

Justice Tara V Ganju, in her October 4 ruling, observed that the petitioner and other residents had illegally occupied 200 square meters of the park, constructing a boundary wall to claim ownership. The court noted that such unauthorized encroachments on public land could not be permitted. Despite the appellant's claim that the land had been donated in 1969, the court found no legal basis for this assertion.

 Right to Worship Not Infringed, Says Court

The appellant argued that the demolition would infringe on his "right to worship," but the court ruled that the right to worship was not being obstructed, as the temple in question was unlawfully constructed. The DDA had previously sought police assistance to remove the encroachments, and the court upheld this decision, stating that the petitioner’s civil right to worship did not extend to illegally constructed temples.