Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 22: A division bench of the state High Court (HC), on Wednesday April 21, took the deputy registrar of cooperative societies, Kundapur subdivision, and the district superintendent of police (SP), Pravin Madhukar Pawar, to task for their failure to execute an order of demolition of a part of a temple in the town, as ordered by it earlier. The order to demolish a part of Lord Anantapadmanabha Temple at Badagupet here had been passed by the HC earlier, to restore the land rightfully owned by another person.

The SP was present at the High Court. The bench asked him as to whether he would be able to demolish the temple structure standing on the land not belonging to it. It also directed him to give in writing, if he is unable to execute this order.

In a report submitted by Siddarth, deputy registrar of cooperative society through the public prosecutor, a mention was made about the fact that MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, Shirur Mutt Swamiji, Sri Lakshmivarateertha, and devotees had created hurdles in the operation of the backhoe for the temple demolition. Referring to this aspect, the bench questioned in what way the MLA or the Swamiji were related with this case. When the court questioned as to whether the government is prepared to follow the court directive, the public prosecutor answered in the affirmative. The judges then asked the SP to present himself in the court and tell them whether he would be able to follow the order.

'In various places including Bangalore, you have demolished many houses, temples etc. Why is special concern being shown about the temple now ordered to be brought down? ' the bench questioned.