The Delhi High Court has ordered a prompt investigation into the unfortunate incident at Kalkaji temple, where a 45-year-old woman died in a stage collapse during a religious event in January.
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DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued directives to expedite the investigation into the tragic incident at the Kalkaji temple, where a 45-year-old woman lost her life after a stage collapse during a religious function in January.
Justice Prathiba M Singh pointed out that despite the temple being under the full control of a court-appointed administrator, no permission was granted for the event in question. The court emphasized this point, citing the status report submitted by the police, which indicated that permission for the ‘jagran’ was allegedly granted by the temple authorities.
The court’s observations:
“Moreover, vide order dated February 20, 2024, the court had observed that the mahant himself had filed an affidavit stating that he has handed over the control and management of the Kalkaji Mandir premises to the administrator after the order dated September 27, 2021.”
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The incident occurred during the ‘jagran’ organized by Shri Kalkaji Sajja Sewadar Mitr Mandal, resulting in the unfortunate demise of a woman and injuries to several others. The court, after reviewing the police’s status report, noted that the organizers were given permission by Surender Nath Avdhoot, who identified himself as the temple’s mahant.
The court emphasized:
“Thus, it is directed that the police shall continue its investigation and conclude the same expeditiously and take action against all persons who are culpable.”
Furthermore, the court acknowledged the commitment of the Kalkaji police station SHO to complete the investigation within four weeks and file the charge sheet promptly.
According to the police report, the organizers failed to obtain necessary clearances from the fire department and municipal corporation, indicating a lapse in safety protocols. Despite this, the event was allowed to proceed, albeit without permission to use loudspeakers beyond 10 pm.
Describing the sequence of events, the police stated:
“During the program, an uncontrolled crowd climbed on the platform which when collapsed led to the unfortunate incident. Moreover, the function was being held without any permission.”
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the court repeated its earlier rule: no similar events without permission. It also told the temple administrator to manage crowds better by bringing back the Shri Kalkaji Mandir Prabandhak Sudhar Committee.
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In 2021, retired high court judge J R Midha was appointed as the temple administrator. His responsibilities include removing encroachments and dealing with unauthorized occupants.
Architect Goonmeet Singh Chauhan has been formally engaged to submit proposals for the temple’s redevelopment.