Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru (AJD)

Bengaluru, Feb 28: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been directed by the Karnataka High Court to provide a list of religious places on unauthorised land. Accordingly, all historic churches, temples and mosques will have to provide their title deeds and other relevant documents to BBMP.

As per a report by The Hindu, this also applies to the oldest temples in Bengaluru like the Someshwara temple in Halasuru belonging to the Chola period during the 10th century, and the Dharmaraya Swamy temple in Tigularapete from the Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda period built in the late 16th century.

File Photo

Churches in east Bengaluru, including St Mary’s Basillica in Shivajinagar that dates back to 1803, and St Patrick’s Church built in 1844 for Irish soldiers, have been issued notice by the BBMP to provide the title deeds and other land-related documents. Some places have also been issued notice to bring down the structure within three days of receiving the notice since they are unauthorised, The Hindu reported.

Civic commissioner N Manjunath Prasad told The Hindu, "All temples, gurudwaras, churches, mosques and other religious structures, irrespective of their historical and vintage value, are being served similar notices."

If there are no recorded historical documents of old religious structures, they can also submit a report on their historicity, he said.

Responding to the development, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bangalore J A Kanthraj was quoted as saying, "The church is not against the process. However, the manner in which it is being done is not right. Also, several churches have been issued notices asking the authorities to demolish structures within three days, without giving an opportunity to be heard." He also alleged that BBMP officials who were issuing notices were rude during their meetings with priests.