Bombay High Court Orders Pause on Jain Temple Demolition in Mumbai

On April 16, the Bombay High Court issued an order directing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately cease further demolition of a Digambar Jain temple in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area. The court’s decision came during an urgent hearing prompted by the BMC’s ongoing demolition activities at the site, which is managed by the Shree 1008 Digambar Jain Mandir Trust.

According to BMC counsel Drupad Patil, all but two walls measuring 15 feet and 7 feet in length had already been demolished before the court’s intervention. The court, presided over by Justice Gauri Godse, mandated that the status quo as of April 16 be maintained until the next hearing, scheduled for April 30. The BMC was also directed to submit an affidavit detailing the demolition’s status and specifics.

The legal dispute arose from the BMC’s actions, initiated under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act (MRTP Act) and Section 488 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, which prompted notices for the temple’s demolition. The Shree 1008 Digambar Jain Mandir Trust, represented by Senior Advocate Surel Shah, advocates F Patyal, and Nidhi Chheda, challenged the BMC’s move, citing the temple’s significance and the urgency of halting further destruction.

Justice Godse allowed the matter to be heard promptly at 11 a.m. on April 16, noting the presence of BMC officers and police at the site, ready to proceed with the demolition. The court’s order ensures that no further action will be taken until the case is reviewed again later this month.