Observing that no God has asked for construction of a temple by encroaching on public road or footpath, the Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the city Police Commissioner to take necessary steps for free movement of vehicles on 1st Main Road, Thyagarajnagar, which has been closed for vehicular movement to enable celebrations at a temple.
A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice B.V. Nagarathna issued the direction on a PIL petition filed by Prashanth Rao, a resident of 1st Main Road. The petitioner had complained that residents along the road were put to hardship due to blockage of road for vehicular traffic and many residents were unable to take out their vehicles owing to the celebrations being held at Panduranga temple.
The court directed the police to ensure free ingress and egress to the petitioner and other residents of the locality.
When the petitioner alleged that the temple was built by encroaching on the footpath, the court observed how such things could be permitted when there is a clear direction from the apex court to clear places of worship that were put up by encroaching on public property, including roads and footpaths.
“Has any God asked to build a temple and perform pooja on the public road,” the Bench observed while pointing out that religious activities should not cause hardship to the public.
The petitioner, who personally argued the case, pointed out that ailing senior citizens at his house were put to huge hardship as he was finding it difficult to open the gates of his house. Moreover, he pointed out that elderly people were being severely affected due to the use of loudspeakers throughout the day.
Has any God asked
to build a temple and perform pooja on
the public roadobservation of
the Bench
