BJP MLA Ravinder Negi Stops Demolition Of 40-Year-Old Temple in East Delhi's Mayur Vihar

A 40-year-old temple in Mayur Vihar was nearly demolished due to a High Court order. The demolition was halted by BJP MLA Ravinder Singh Negi, who intervened and contacted the chief minister.

BJP MLA Ravinder Singh Negi.

Source : Twitter

A 40-year-old temple near the Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar Phase 2 in East Delhi's Patparganj Assembly constituency was nearly demolished on Thursday morning. According to news agency IANS, the action was carried out by a team following the directions of the High Court to clear the encroachments on the green belt and was stopped.

The demolition team, led by DDA (Delhi Development Authority), arrived at the site in the early hours, accompanied by a heavy police force, including the Additional DCP, ACP, and SHO. The decision was, however, halted after the intervention by the BJP MLA Ravinder Singh Negi, who reached the site and immediately contacted the chief minister to prevent the demolition.

MLA Negi said that the matter would be taken to the Supreme Court for a stay.

Speaking to IANS, MLA Negi said, As per the High Court's order, the green belt area was to be cleared of encroachments. Notices had been issued multiple times between 2015 and 2024. However, without prior notice, the demolition team, along with police personnel, arrived at the site around 3 a.m. last night. Negi further clarified that the officials involved in the demolition did not provide prior notice to the temple management.

After several discussions with the authorities, I contacted the Chief Minister, and she immediately intervened, urging the LG (Lieutenant Governor) to stop the demolition, Negi told IANS. The police and the officials returned after the intervention, and we are now planning to take the matter to court for a permanent resolution, he added.

Ravinder Negi also shared the concerns about the larger pattern of targeting the religious structures.

Over the past ten years, whether it is temples or mosques, they have been targeted. Even along the banks of the Yamuna, several temples were demolished, and the authorities did not stop them. Some people don’t want religious structures to remain, and they lodge complaints.

Based on those complaints, the law takes its course, he stated. He emphasised that the matter was now being taken to the Supreme Court to seek a stay on the High Court's order. We have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, and a hearing will take place on this. We are hopeful that the court will address this issue and halt the demolition permanently, MLA Negi said.