Delhi HC Orders Removal of Unauthorized Temple on Yamuna Floodplain

The Delhi High Court has emphasized the protection of the Yamuna floodplain, an eco-sensitive zone, from encroachments. The court upheld the demolition of 'Prachin Shiv Mandir', which was unauthorizedly constructed. The court noted that the plaintiff lacked any documentary evidence to claim legitimacy over the site.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the eco-sensitive Yamuna floodplain must be zealously protected from any form of encroachment, whether religious or otherwise. Consequently, any unauthorized structure erected on this land must be removed, according to the court's decision.

Headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, a division bench refused to overturn a single-judge order that permitted the demolition of 'Prachin Shiv Mandir' located in the Geeta Colony area. The court observed that the temple had been constructed on encroached land without any legitimate documentation.

The bench, which also included Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, highlighted that the entire temple had already been demolished by the DDA. The bench ruled that the appellant, 'Prachin Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti', failed to present any document proving their legal claim over the land or structure, rendering any further arguments null and void.

(With inputs from agencies.)