Monk's Eviction Ordered: Prolonged Stay at Iconic Babulnath Temple Concludes

The Supreme Court has granted a septuagenarian monk four years to vacate a space in Mumbai's Babulnath Temple. Despite occupying the premises since 1968, the court upheld the lower courts' decisions due to the monk's age and spiritual lifestyle, allowing time for alternative arrangements.

In a rare move, the Supreme Court has provided a 75-year-old monk with four years to vacate an occupied area within the historic Babulnath Temple in Mumbai. The decision reflects the court's consideration of the monk's advanced age and spiritual life.

The prolonged legal dispute, primarily centered on a small section of the temple's staircase, saw the bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh upholding previous rulings by the Small Causes Court and the Bombay High Court directing the monk's eviction. The court acknowledged continuous possession of the premises since 1968, albeit with rent being paid.

The ruling mandates a peaceful transition, ensuring the monk's stay does not obstruct temple development. The court also emphasized preventing any third-party occupation of the space during this period. The order concludes a legal saga involving the temple's trustees and the monk, who is the legal heir of the original occupant.

(With inputs from agencies.)