Encroachments an insult to God: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the state authorities over their inaction to remove illegal structures which have come up on roads and pavements across the country in the name of worship to god. By expressing its anguish over inaction of state officials for allowing the existence of unauthorized places of worship on roads and pavements across the country, it said that such an act is an insult to God. The apex court was hearing Centre’s petition challenging the Gujarat High Court order of May 2006 asking municipal corporations in the state to demolish all illegal structures, including places of worship, on public roads. A bench of Justice Gopala Gowda and Justice Arun Mishra passed an order stating the states that they have to demolish such structures. “We know you are not doing anything. None of the states are doing anything. You have no right to allow it. God never intended to obstruct the path.” The top court sought their action taken report within two weeks and made it clear that failing which the chief secretaries of the concerned states will summoned for their personal presence to explain non-compliance of various directions of the apex court passed from time to time since 2006.

By – Ankit Tripathi