The Deccan Chronicle 18.08.2010
Officials told to follow SC orderAug. 17: In the wake of Supreme Court’s direction to prevent construction of prayer halls in public parks, on roads and open spaces, BBMP joint commissioner (horticulture) has directed his officials to prevent such construction activities.
Sources in BBMP said information on the number of prayer halls in parks, grounds, open spaces and roads would be submitted to the deputy commissioner (urban) for further action.
The Supreme Court in its verdict on December 2009 directed states to prevent construction of prayer halls and to take action against structures built prior to the verdict.
BBMP will submit details of prayer halls constructed prior to the SC order to initiate appropriate action. Following the court order, the state government has issued directions to all deputy commissioners, district magistrates and other authorities to initiate appropriate action if they get any complaint regarding construction of prayer halls in government property and in parks. “If construction of such unauthorised structures comes to the notice of the government or local bodies, religious leaders of that area must be summoned and with their consent an authorised place has to be identified for shifting idols.
After discussions with the leaders such structures should be bulldozed,” said sources in BBMP. If some prayers halls were built in accordance with the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, they must be retained without hurting the religious sentiments of the people, the sources said. If interests of two communities were involved, both the structures must be razed down in their presence, the sources said.
The government order directed all local bodies to ensure adequate space for construction of prayer halls in newly formed layouts. The jurisdictional authorities must ensure that the space earmarked for prayer halls must not be used for any other purpose, as per the order.
