Demolition of temple in Delhi: SC warns against politicisation of issue

The Supreme Court Tuesday warned against politicising the demolition of a Guru Ravidas temple in Tughlaqabad forest area here on its order and threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against those provoking dharnas and demonstrations.

"Don't think we are powerless. We know the seriousness of the issue," a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra said when the counsel appearing for the Guru Ravidas Jainti Samaroh Samiti, referred to the agitation on the issue in Punjab.

"Don't speak a word and don't aggravate the issue. You are in for contempt. We will haul up your entire management. We will see what has to be done," the bench also comprising Justices M R Shah and Ajay Rastogi said while requesting Attorney General K K Venugopal to assist in the matter.

At the outset, the bench said once the order is passed, no such activity can be carried out and "the issue cannot be politicised. We will start contempt. It cannot be like this".

The counsel appearing for the Delhi Development Authority informed that demolition has been carried out as per the order of the apex court.

The bench said it will not tolerate criticism of the judgement which has been passed by the top court.

"You cannot go on and on and make comments and criticism of the judgement. This is Supreme Court. Don't invoke politics here," the bench said.

Venugopal, who was sitting in the court, was told by the bench that order passed by the apex court is taken for a ride.

"They are holding dharnas and there is public outcry. It is a serious issue that cannot be politicised and we want to hear from you to settle it. There cannot be a public outcry and no political issue be involved in it," the bench said.

The DDA in a statement issued on Monday did not use the word temple, and said the "structure was removed as per the orders of the Supreme Court".

"The standing permanent structure was dismantled peacefully without any resistance or use of force in the presence of Guru Ravi Das Jayanti Samaroh Samiti members," the DDA had said in the statement.

Amid protest from the community in his state, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday had sought Prime Minister Modi's intervention to resolve the matter.

The DDA in its statement had said the apex court in a case titled 'Guru Ravi Das Jayanti Samaroh Samiti vs Union of India', had on August 9 observed that "serious breach" has been committed by Guru Ravi Das Jayanti Samaroh Samiti by not vacating the forest area as earlier ordered by the court.

"Therefore, the Hon'ble Supreme Court ordered that the premises be vacated tomorrow and the structure be removed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) with the help of Police," it said