Temple or mosques, they have to go: Indian SC on encroachment and bulldozer justice

Temple or mosques, they have to go: Indian SC on encroachment and bulldozer justice

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said public safety was paramount and any religious structure, be it temple or dargah, encroaching on roads or railway tracks must go. The top court, which was hearing petitions challenging bulldozer action against people accused of crimes, extended its interim order barring demolitions across the country without prior judicial approval.

The Supreme Court said India was a secular country and its directions on bulldozer action and anti-encroachment drives would be irrespective of any religion. The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, reserved its judgment.

“We are a secular country and our direction will be for all, irrespective of religion or community. If there is any religious structure in the middle of the road, be it gurdwara or dargah or temple, it cannot obstruct the public,” the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court said.