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The Delhi High Court has appointed Justice JR Midha, former Judge of the High Court as Administrator of the Shri  Kalkaji Mandir situated in South Delhi after observing that the baridaars are unable to exercise effective control to administer the Mandir and its premises and take measures for the safety and security of the devotees.

The single Judge bench of Justice Parthiba M Singh while passing a slew of directions observed that “There is thus, a grave and imminent need to preserve the spiritual sanctity of the Mandir and not allow the same to be misused by unwanted elements who may convert it into a commercial enterprise, as has already been noticed by the Court in the previous orders. “

The Court has clarified that the entire Mandir complex shall be under the direct supervision and control of the  Administrator.

The Court said that the mandate of the Administrator shall be to take all necessary steps in the interest of devotees, pilgrims, baridaars, in order to ensure their safety and security, as also to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the deity and the Mandir, which is of utmost historical importance to the people of Delhi.  

The Court has directed that the Administrator shall take all steps necessary for the safety and security of the devotees and pilgrims visiting the Mandir on a daily basis. This shall include removal of all the unauthorized encroachments and unauthorized occupants from the Mandir complex.

Administrator shall supervise the demolition of unauthorized construction and encroachments, to be carried out by the SDMC/DDA and Delhi Police.

Owing to the forthcoming Navaratra season from 7th October 2021 to 15 th October 2021, the Administrator shall take immediate steps to create all necessary facilities for the devotees and pilgrims, the Court said.

The Administrator shall be assisted by Ms. Manmeet Arora, who has been appointed as the Local Commissioner by this Court in these cases, from time to time, and has submitted various reports on the condition of the Kalkaji Mandir.

The Court further clarified that the Administrator shall be the overall in charge of the daily administration of the Kalkaji Mandir and is empowered to take all steps that may be required for maintenance of the sanctity of the Mandir, and safety, security of devotees, and for making available facilities and amenities for the devotees. The Sh. Kalkaji Mandir Prabandhak Sudhar Committee, or any of the baridaars, shall not, in any manner, be permitted to obstruct or impede the functioning of the ld. Administrator.

Case Title: Batch of Petitions