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Gujarat HC Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal criticizes emotional manipulation in a temple demolition case, stating it’s a tactic to encroach upon public land. The case involves 93 households opposing a public road project, emphasizing emotional attachment to the temple.
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AHMEDABAD: On 29th February, The Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, Sunita Agarwal, addressed the emotional plea of locals seeking to save a temple from demolition to make way for a public road under a town planning scheme.
The Chief Justice candidly remarked-
“This is a method employed to emotionally manipulate others.”
Highlighting a broader issue of encroachment on public property in India.
“Building a temple is another way of grabbing public land in India,”
-she added
Emphasizing the contentious nature of constructing religious structures on public lands. The case in question involves an appeal by 93 households in Chandlodia who oppose the construction of a public road outlined in a draft Town Planning (TP) scheme.
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After facing a setback when a single judge dismissed their challenge to the scheme, the residents turned to a division bench for further recourse. Despite assurances from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation that no houses would be demolished, the residents rallied to protect a temple situated along the proposed road. They argued that the entire community had contributed to building it, fostering a deep emotional connection.
“I must say that this You manipulate people emotionally and trespass in public areas, and this is a common issue everywhere.”
-remarked Chief Justice Agarwal, drawing attention to the widespread issue of emotional manipulation in such cases.
The Chief Justice also pointed out that the land on which the temple stands is not owned by the appellants.
“By saying the temple will be removed, you’re trying to make people feel emotional, as if it will directly impact them.”
-she asserted, questioning the legitimacy of emotional appeals in legal matters.
Expanding on the matter, Chief Justice Agarwal discussed the tactic of protecting illegal constructions by converting houses into temples.
“You put up some signs outside the house and make it a temple. This is another way of land grabbing in India,”
-she stated, shedding light on the deceptive methods employed in such situations.
In an interim order, the bench comprising Chief Justice Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha Mayee extended interim protection against demolition.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 14.