Why was a JDA officer suspended after issuing a notice to a Lord Shiva temple in Jaipur?
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Synopsis
The suspension of a Jaipur Development Authority officer over a controversial notice to a Lord Shiva temple has sparked public outrage. The incident raises questions about administrative processes and sensitivity towards religious sentiments.
Key Takeaways
- The JDA issued a notice declaring a temple's boundary wall as illegal construction.
- Public protests emerged in response to the notice, highlighting community sentiments.
- The incident led to the suspension of the enforcement officer involved.
- Authorities emphasize the need for careful administrative procedures regarding places of worship.
- The situation remains under review for further insights.
Jaipur, Nov 28 (NationPress) A dispute arose when the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) issued a notice to a Lord Shiva temple located in Vaishali Nagar, within the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. This incident prompted immediate administrative action, leading to the suspension of Enforcement Officer Arun Kumar Poonia.
The order for suspension was executed by JDA Secretary Nishant Jain, who confirmed on Friday that Poonia would receive allowances per the regulations during his suspension.
Poonia's new headquarters has been designated at the office of the Additional Director General of Police (Personnel) in Jaipur.
This controversy began during a road-widening initiative on Gandhi Path in Vaishali Nagar, where JDA officials placed notices on multiple shops and residential buildings, labeling them as encroachments.
Amid this process, a notice was affixed directly to the boundary wall of the Lord Shiva Temple, classifying it as an “illegal construction”.
Interestingly, the notice was directed not at any specific individual, temple committee, or caretaker but was addressed to the “Lord Shiva Temple” itself.
The notice demanded a response be submitted within seven days.
Upon the notice gaining public visibility, local inhabitants voiced their discontent, arguing that issuing such a directive to a place of worship was insensitive and offensive to their religious feelings.
As protests escalated, the Chief Minister's Office took note of the situation.
Following preliminary investigations, the enforcement officer was suspended on Friday for his involvement in this oversight.
Sources revealed that posting a notice directly on a religious site without adhering to proper administrative procedure is deemed a serious infringement.
The actions of the officer were interpreted as willful negligence and an arbitrary use of authority, resulting in disciplinary measures.
The notice, issued by the enforcement division of the JDA, cited a High Court order linked to Petition number 658/2024.
It indicated that the PT survey report from the Deputy Commissioner of Zone 7 noted that the temple's boundary wall intrudes 1.59 meters into the designated road area.
Consequently, the boundary was classified as encroachment, prompting the initiation of action.
The temple was requested to submit its reply within a week.
The issue is still under review as authorities continue to scrutinize the procedural errors involved.
Point of View
It's vital to approach this incident with an unbiased lens. The actions taken by the Jaipur Development Authority reflect a need for administrative diligence, especially when dealing with places of worship. While the enforcement officer's suspension is a necessary step, it also emphasizes the importance of respectful communication in governance.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the suspension of the JDA officer?
The JDA officer was suspended due to the issuance of a notice that labeled the boundary wall of a Lord Shiva temple as illegal construction, which sparked public outrage.
What was the public reaction to the notice issued?
Local residents expressed strong disapproval, claiming that issuing such a notice to a religious site was insensitive and offensive to their sentiments.
What administrative procedures were violated?
The notice was affixed without following due administrative process, which is considered a serious violation.
What does the suspension entail for the officer?
The suspended officer will continue to receive allowances as per the rules during the suspension period.
Is the matter still under investigation?
Yes, authorities are currently reviewing the procedural lapses involved in this incident.
