In a significant reversal, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has put its plans to demolish a Shiva temple located inside a park on Gandhi Path on hold. This decision comes after strong public opposition and mounting political pressure forced the urban body to reconsider its enforcement action.
Public Outcry Forces a Rethink
The controversy erupted when a JDA enforcement officer served an eviction notice on the temple, alongside similar notices to 98 residents and traders on Gandhi Path. The move was met with immediate criticism from local residents as well as the political opposition, creating a volatile situation. The swift public backlash prompted the state government to intervene, leading to a dramatic change in the JDA's stance.
DIG (JDA) Rahul Katakey informed the Times of India that the enforcement wing will now consult with the zonal deputy commissioner and engineers before arriving at a final decision. He emphasized that "Our decision will follow legal procedures," indicating a more cautious approach moving forward.
Suspension and Precedents
The first concrete action following the uproar was the suspension of the JDA enforcement officer who issued the showcause notice to the temple. His suspension order stated that he had served the eviction notice without informing higher officials and bypassing established legal procedures.
JDA officials cited past precedents to justify the decision to spare the temple. They pointed out that even structures deemed encroachments or obstacles to major projects have often been left untouched if they are places of worship. An enforcement official provided specific examples: During an eviction drive on Khatipura Road on April 9, a Hanuman temple was left intact. Similarly, the Civil Lines Mazaar and a temple in Jhotwara were not demolished during the construction of the Ajmer Road Elevated Road and the Jhotwara RoB, respectively.
A Political Hot Potato
The case swiftly transformed into a political hot potato, with the opposition seizing the opportunity to criticize the authorities. The combination of resident anger and political pressure made the temple's demolition a sensitive issue, forcing the administration to backtrack. This incident highlights the complex challenges urban development authorities face when enforcement actions intersect with religious sentiments and community interests.
The final fate of the Shiva temple on Gandhi Path now awaits a formal review process, with the JDA pledging to adhere strictly to legal protocols before any further action is taken.
