Bombay High Court Stops BMC from Further Demolition of Jain Temple in Vile Parle

The Bombay High Court, on April 16, directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to immediately halt the demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai’s Vile Parle after the Shree 1008 Digambar Jain Mandir Trust challenged the civic body’s actions.

Justice Gauri Godse granted interim protection to the temple until the next hearing on April 30, stating that the Trust was entitled to a reasoned order and a fair hearing before any further demolition. The court emphasized that the status quo as of April 16 must be maintained.

The BMC had initiated demolition based on notices under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act and the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. While the Trust had sought interim relief from a city civil court earlier, their plea was rejected on April 7, with a seven-day stay expiring on April 15. When the Trust sought an extension, the court reportedly rejected it orally, prompting the Trust to approach the High Court urgently.

During the hearing, BMC counsel Drupad Patil informed the court that, apart from two remaining walls (15 feet and 7 feet in length, each 10 feet high), the rest of the temple structure had already been demolished. The High Court directed the BMC to file an affidavit within two weeks confirming the demolition details and ensure no further action is taken until further orders.

The case will next be heard on April 30. The Trust was represented by Senior Advocate Surel Shah, while Advocate Drupad Patil appeared for the BMC.

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