The New Indian Express 10.12.2010
‘Follow rules while demolishing temples’
While hearing two petitions, Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri directed the state to demolish unauthorised temples, churches and mosques that were constructed before the Supreme Court judgment dated December 7, 2009.
To follow the Supreme Court’s directions, the chief secretary on February 17, 2010, had issued circulars to all deputy commissioners and district magistrates to demolish the unauthorised structures.
The HC on Thursday observed that the Supreme Court had suggested to relocate, regularise or demolish unauthorised religious constructions but the state government had opted to demolish the temples instead of relocating them.
While hearing the separate petitions of Vinayaka Seva Samiti trust and Durgah Huzrat Syed Sikander of Mysore, the HC directed the state not to demolish the two religious structures unless it hears the parties.
In Vinayaka Seva Samiti’s case, the court quashed the order of Mysore Mahanagara Palike, dated December 2, 2010, to demolish the Vinayaka Temple in Hinkal at Vijayanagara layout.
The court observed that the corporation was not the competent authority to issue such order, only the deputy commissioner has the power to issue the demolition order as per the chief secretary’s circular.
The court had directed the petitioner to file a fresh plea before the district committee or deputy commissioner.
Dandupalya gang challenges sentence
Eleven members of the Dandupalya gang, who have been awarded death sentence, have challenged the same in the High Court by filing a criminal appeal.
The special court had on September 30, 2010, awarded the punishment to 11 members of Dandupalya gang in 14 different cases of dacoity, murder and rape. Dandupalya Krishna, Dodda Hanuma, Munikrishna, Venkatarama, Koti Thimma, Venkatesh Alias Chandra, Munikrishna, Nalla Thimma, Chikkamuniya, Krishna and Lakshmi, wife of Dandupalya Krishna have filed the appeal.
