Delhi High Court Orders Religious Committee to File Report on Removal of Unauthorized Religious Structures
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has directed the religious committee of the Delhi government to file a report within six weeks regarding actions taken to remove 249 unauthorized religious structures erected on public land. This order, passed on Friday, February 9, 2025, comes after a status report was submitted earlier by the committee, outlining the committee’s recommendations following extensive deliberations.
Background of the Case
The issue of illegal religious structures has been a long-standing one in Delhi. The matter first gained national attention in 2018 when the Supreme Court of India took up a plea for the removal of unauthorized religious structures on public land. In the same year, the Supreme Court transferred the petitions to the respective high courts across the country, urging them to ensure the effective implementation of its orders regarding the removal of such illegal structures.
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the Delhi High Court has been handling the case within its jurisdiction. The case has attracted considerable interest, as these unauthorized structures were primarily built on public land belonging to various agencies, including the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Cantonment Board.
Religious Committee’s Efforts and Recommendations
In its report submitted in July 2024, the Delhi government’s religious committee informed the court that after holding over 50 meetings, it had recommended the removal of 249 such structures. These structures, which occupy valuable public land, have been a source of concern for urban development and civic order in the capital.
The court noted that the committee had consulted with the various land-owning agencies and stakeholders to assess the situation before making these recommendations. The committee’s efforts reflect the government’s drive to address the issue in an organized manner while respecting the religious sentiments of the people involved.
DDA’s Progress in Demolitions
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which is one of the key agencies involved in the process, reported that it has already identified and demolished 127 illegal religious structures as part of this ongoing operation. According to the DDA’s counsel during the Friday hearing, a significant number of these structures were located in environmentally sensitive areas like Sanjay Van and Jahanpanah city forest, areas that are crucial for maintaining Delhi’s green cover.
Of the 127 demolished structures, 82 were identified by the Delhi Forest Department, which further highlights the cross-agency collaboration in addressing the issue of illegal constructions in ecologically important zones.
Court’s Direction and Deadlines
As part of its ongoing proceedings, the Delhi High Court has now given the religious committee a clear deadline. The committee is to compile a detailed report from the various land-owning agencies, such as the NDMC, DDA, MCD, and the Delhi Cantonment Board, and submit it within six weeks. This report will provide a comprehensive status update on the removal of the 249 structures identified as unauthorized.
The high court is particularly focused on ensuring that the process of removal is conducted swiftly and that no further illegal structures are allowed to emerge. The court’s emphasis on accountability is crucial in making sure that the guidelines for removal are strictly adhered to.
The Importance of the Case for Urban Development
This case represents a critical step in resolving the issue of unauthorized encroachments on public land in Delhi. The capital city, with its growing population and expanding urban infrastructure, faces increasing pressure on its public spaces. The presence of illegal religious structures not only encroaches on public land but also complicates urban planning efforts.
By taking action on this issue, the Delhi High Court and government agencies are sending a clear message that unauthorized encroachments will not be tolerated. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for how Delhi deals with illegal structures in the future and could set a precedent for other states and cities to follow.
Looking Ahead
The case is set to be heard again on May 14, 2025, when the court will review the progress made by the religious committee and the various land-owning agencies. The final outcome will depend largely on the continued efforts of the DDA, MCD, and other stakeholders and whether they are able to clear the remaining unauthorized structures as per the court’s directive.
The Delhi High Court’s intervention comes as part of broader efforts to improve civic governance, maintain public spaces, and promote urban sustainability in Delhi, which is grappling with a range of infrastructure challenges.