Intervention by Patparganj MLA Ravinder Singh Negi Prevents Temple Demolition in Mayur Vihar

Key Takeaways

40-year-old temple nearly demolished.
Intervention by MLA Ravinder Singh Negi prevented demolition.
Demolition team was acting on High Court orders.
Negi plans to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
Concerns about targeting of religious structures expressed.

New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) A 40-year-old temple located near Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar Phase 2, within the Patparganj Assembly constituency of East Delhi, was on the verge of being demolished on Thursday morning. This action was initiated by a team following High Court directives to eliminate encroachments on the green belt; however, it was ultimately halted.

The demolition crew, led by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), arrived at the site during the early hours, supported by a significant police presence, including the Additional DCP, ACP, and SHO.

Nonetheless, the demolition was suspended after intervention by BJP MLA Ravinder Singh Negi, who arrived at the scene and immediately reached out to the Chief Minister to stop the demolition.

MLA Negi announced that the situation would be escalated to the Supreme Court for a stay.

In a statement to IANS, MLA Negi remarked, "In accordance with the High Court's order, the green belt area was to be cleared of encroachments. Notices had been issued multiple times between 2015 and 2024. However, without any prior notice, the demolition team, along with police personnel, arrived at the site around 3 a.m. last night."

Negi further indicated that the officials involved in the demolition did not provide prior notice to the temple management.

"After several discussions with the authorities, I contacted the Chief Minister, and she promptly intervened, urging the LG (Lieutenant Governor) to halt the demolition," Negi told IANS.

"Following her intervention, the police and officials withdrew, and we are now planning to take the matter to court for a permanent resolution," he added.

Ravinder Singh Negi also expressed his concerns regarding the broader trend of targeting religious structures.

"For the past decade, whether it concerns temples or mosques, they have been under attack. Numerous temples along the banks of the Yamuna have been demolished, and authorities did not intervene. Some individuals wish to see religious structures removed, leading to complaints that trigger legal actions," he stated.

He underscored that the matter is now being escalated to the Supreme Court to seek a stay on the High Court's ruling.

"We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, and a hearing is scheduled. We are optimistic that the court will address this matter and permanently halt the demolition," MLA Negi said.