In a significant move, the Karnataka government has ordered the removal, by December 31 this year, of all temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras and other religious structures constructed illegally in public places.
This follows a Supreme Court interim direction to all States to frame measures to remove illegal shrines encroaching on public places and put in place a policy to prevent construction of such illegal structures in future.
Hence, all illegal places of worship that have come up on roads, including major or minor roads, in cities, towns and villages will have to be summarily demolished after directing community leaders to shift the idols/relics.
However, unauthorised structures on storm-water drains and retaining walls of the drains must be summarily demolished without involvement of any community leaders. In the case of illegal structures that have come up in parks and other public places, deputy commissioners, commissioners of city corporations, and other local bodies must review such buildings on a case-by-case basis. The guideline adds that if these officials deem that the structure does not spoil the peace and tranquillity of the area, they can be regularised, “subject to their compliance with the relevant laws.”
In the case of multi-religious structures constructed by various religious groups illegally in parks and other public places which could trigger tension, then all such structures will have to be demolished.
The court will again hear the matter on July 27.
