The Gujarat High Court dismissed a temple priest’s appeal claiming ownership of a Ganesh temple on a public access road. The Court held that a priest holds no proprietary right, serving only the deity, and cannot oppose demolition.
Today, On 27th January, the Supreme Court announced it would hear pleas, including a contempt petition, against Gujarat authorities for allegedly demolishing residential and religious buildings in Gir Somnath district without its prior approval. The case will be taken up in three weeks. The petition claims that the demolitions were carried out in violation of the court’s order. This hearing will address the legality of these actions and their impact on affected people.
The Congress party Today(16th Jan) has petitioned the Supreme Court to defend the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, amid challenges questioning its constitutional validity by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. The Act aims to preserve the religious status of places of worship as of August 15, 1947, promoting India’s secular fabric.
The Supreme Court on Monday (6th Jan) declined to hear a petition challenging Ashwani Kumar’s appointment as Administrator of the Delhi Waqf Board. The petitioner argues that Kumar unlawfully occupies the position post the Board’s term expiration in August 2023, and claims conflicts of interest exist due to his previous demolition recommendations of historical Waqf properties.
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has paused new lawsuits while reviewing challenges to the Places of Worship Act. Advocate Hari Shankar Jain advocates restoring demolished Hindu temples, claiming the ruling benefits Hindus. The court will evaluate ongoing cases concerning religious structures in due course.