Referring to earlier directions of the Court in this regard, the bench said, that for vacation of the shops and of unauthorized occupants from the Mandir premises, the appointed Administrator shall continue to take action as per previous orders with effect from December 10, 2021. The Court appointed architect has also been directed to suggest a temporary place to be used by the shopkeepers until approval of the final plan for the Mandir's re-development.

The Court said this is to be done upon payment of a license fee by the shopkeepers on the basis of the highest bid received as per the public notice floated by the Administrator on November 12.

For shopkeepers whose unauthorised residences within the temple premises are to be vacated, the Court has directed for them to approach the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for availing रैन बसेरा (Night shelter) for alternate premises in case they are eligible in accordance with law.

The Court also directed the Delhi Jal Board to ensure that the blocked sewer lines which were not in a serviceable condition, are opened and put into proper functional use for providing portable drinking water facilities to devotees.

The Court expressed that "gross mismanagement that was happening in the Mandir and the complete unauthorized encroachment and the whimsical manner in which the tehbazari were being given" were "a matter of immense concern," especially, in light of the fact that hundreds and thousands of devotees visit the Mandir every day and pointed out that due to such issues, including in-fighting, "the spiritual sanctity of the Mandir is completely eroded by all the stakeholders, unauthorised occupants, encroachments by shopkeepers, lack of cleanliness and hygiene, lack of basic amenities to devotees."

The matter has been posted for further hearing on December 21.

Cause Title: Neeta Bhardwaj & Ors vs Kamlesh Sharma