The Delhi High Court has issued an order stating that no “jagran” or similar religious events can be held in the Kalkaji Mandir without prior permission from the court-appointed administrator. This decision comes after a tragic incident occurred recently, resulting in the death of a 45-year-old woman when a stage collapsed during a religious function.
Justice Prathiba M Singh has directed that no “jagran” or similar events will be permitted without proper authorization. If any organization wishes to hold such an event, they must approach the court for permission.
The court emphasised that the Kalkaji Mandir is for the use of the public, and no individual or entity can exercise exclusive control over any part of it. Therefore, any event must have the administrator’s approval.
The recent tragic incident occurred during an unauthorized “jagran” at the Mahant Parishar of the temple, where 1,600 people attended. The court has ordered an investigation into the incident and requested a status report on the probe’s progress.
Additionally, the court has directed the administrator to take steps for the revival of the Shri Kalkaji Mandir Prabandhak Sudhar Committee to recruit volunteers for crowd management.
The court’s order is part of a series of pleas regarding civic amenities and cleanliness around the Kalkaji temple complex. In 2021, Justice Singh appointed a retired high court judge, J R Midha, as the administrator of the temple, and directed the removal of encroachments and unauthorized occupants.
The court also appointed Goonmeet Singh Chauhan, an architect with experience in public projects, to submit a redevelopment plan for the temple and its surroundings.
This latest order by the Delhi High Court underscores the need for proper management and control of religious events to ensure public safety and adherence to the law.
(with PTI inputs)
