Twitter
Advertisement

Encroachments an insult to God: Supreme Court

The courts remarks came after states and union territories have failed to comply with its previous directions to file affidavits spelling out steps they have taken to remove illegal religious structures from public roads and pavements.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Observing that allowing unauthorised places of worship is 'insult to God,' the Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the state authorities over their inaction to remove illegal structures which have come up on roads and pavements across the country in the name of worship.

"You have to demolish such structures. We know you are not doing anything. None of the states are doing anything. You have no right to allow it. God never intended to obstruct the path. But you are obstructing the path. It is an insult to God," a bench of justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra observed.

The courts remarks came after states and union territories have failed to comply with its previous directions to file affidavits spelling out steps they have taken to remove illegal religious structures from public roads and pavements.

With a warning to them, the top court sought their action taken report within two weeks and made it clear that failing which the chief secretaries of the concerned states will summoned for their personal presence to explain non-compliance of various directions of the apex court passed from time to time since 2006.

"We don't appreciate this type of attitude," the bench said, adding that the orders and directions of the apex court "are not passed for to be kept in the cold storage....Do we pass orders for keeping in cold storage? If you have no respect for court orders, we will deal with the states," the bench said.

The court was hearing PIL filed in 2006 seeking directions were given to states to remove unauthorised structures, including places of worships, from public places.

It had on March 8 received a contempt petition against Chhattisgarh government, following which it had asked the state to ascertain the factual position on the basis of allegations made in it.

The apex court had directed all other states for compliance of the interim orders passed by it from time to time in this regard.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement