HC directs Maharashtra government to demolish illegal shrines

The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra Government and all civic bodies in the state today, to demolish all illegal shrines which have been built in violation of rules, while hearing a public interest litigation. A bench comprising Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anil Menon asked the Maharashtra government to ensure that all such illegal shrines are demolished in accordance with a Government Resolution of 2011.

The bench also asked Secretary of Urban Development Department and Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to file separate affidavits by February 28, stating what action they had taken against illegal shrines in the state. The judges posted the hearing of the petition, filed by activist Bhagwanji Riayani, to March 2.

The petition alleged that around 17,000 illegal shrines had come up all over the state either in the middle of roads or on footpaths, obstructing movement of vehicles as well as pedestrians. The petition said that illegal shrines should be demolished as soon as possible and if action was not taken against them, the number of such illegal shrines would grow. The petition was filed a few years ago and the court had passed orders from time to time regarding demolition of illegal shrines.