HC disposes petitions on temple demolition

The petitioners K L Narayana, devotee of Istarthasidhi Sankastahara Ganapathi  Temple Saraswathipuram and trustees of Varasidhi Vinayaka Temple at Bannimantapa and Durgaparameshwari temple at Ittigegudu all in Mysore had moved the High Court challenging the demolition order dated 29, October, 2010 by Assistant Commissioner (AC) Mysore City Corporation (MCC).

The AC had directed the temple trustees to demolish them at their own cost, failing which, the MCC was to initiate action to demolish them as per the Apex Court orders of December 2006, which had stated that the illegal temples be evacuated henceforth.

C M Mahesh, counsel for the petitioners submitted that the respondents have not followed due procedure of law as no opportunity was given to the petitioners to either produce any documents or file an objection. “ There is no show cause notice issued to the petitioners,” he said.

Justice B V Nagarathna, on hearing the petition disposed it off with a direction to DC, Mysore and other authorities to consider the representation of the petitioners and provide them an opportunity.

The court has also directed the authorities to follow due procedure of law while dealing with the matter.