Today, On 4th October, The Delhi High Court requested detailed reports from the Kalkaji Temple Mahant and local police following the tragic death of a teenager caused by an exposed electrical wire at the temple. The court is seeking clarity on the circumstances leading to the incident and accountability for safety measures.
New Delhi: A report has been requested from Mahant Surendra Nath of Delhi’s Kalkaji temple concerning the management of the Navratri event, following the tragic death of a 17-year-old boy due to an exposed wire.
Justice Prathiba M. Singh asked both the Delhi Police and the Mahant to submit status reports. The Mahant required to outline the measures taken to manage the event, while the police must report on the incident.
Read Also: Kalkaji Temple Stage Collapse| Delhi HC Orders Action Against All Liable Persons
Justice Singh remarked,
“A similar incident occurred last year as well. Every year, we have to issue directions for proper management.”
The High Court also noted that the court-appointed administrator has yet to receive payment, and there is currently no administrator overseeing the temple.
Additionally, the Kalkaji Mahant, identified as the baridar, instructed to submit a report on crowd management measures. The Delhi Police must also provide details regarding the fatality caused by the uncovered wire.
The High Court also instructed the standing counsel to submit a status report, with the next hearing scheduled for Monday. Redevelopment work is ongoing at Kalkaji Temple, and an administrator had been appointed by the court three years ago to manage its affairs.
Kalkaji Temple, one of the most prominent and crowded religious sites in Delhi, has often been the subject of court directives concerning its management, safety protocols, and infrastructure. The temple hosts thousands of devotees, particularly during festivals like Navratri, which increases the risk of accidents due to overcrowding and inadequate safety measures.
The recent tragedy, in which a 17-year-old boy lost his life after coming into contact with an exposed electrical wire at the temple premises, has intensified scrutiny of the temple’s management. This incident follows a similar one that occurred last year, prompting the High Court to issue directives for better crowd management and safety at the temple.
Redevelopment work at Kalkaji Temple has been ongoing, and an administrator had been appointed by the High Court three years ago to oversee its operations and ensure safety. However, despite these efforts, this fatal accident occurred, suggesting that more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies.
Read Also: Delhi High Court Directs for Speedy Conclusion of ‘Kalkaji Temple Tragedy’ Investigation
The High Court scheduled the next hearing for Monday, with the expectation that both the Mahant and the Delhi Police will submit their respective reports. The Court also directed the standing counsel to file a status report on the overall situation at the temple. These reports will help the Court assess whether there have been any improvements in safety protocols and whether further action is needed.
In light of these tragic events, the Delhi High Court’s intervention highlights the ongoing need for strict oversight of temple management and the implementation of robust safety measures, particularly during high-attendance events like Navratri.