Supreme Court of India Supreme Court of India

Erecting religious structures by way of unauthorised constructions on public places and roads is an “insult to the God”, said the Supreme Court on Tuesday as it reproached the states and union territories for failing to submit action taken reports on removal of such encroachments.

“We have passed several directives. You must demolish such structures. We know you are not doing anything. None of the states are doing anything. You have no right to allow it. God never intended to obstruct the path. But you are obstructing the path. It is an insult to the God,” remarked a bench of Justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra.

The bench further observed: “Are our orders meant to be put in cold storage? Do you have any respect for our orders? But we know how to get our orders implemented. We are going to call Chief Secretaries of all the states and Union Territories and they will personally tell us why they have not filed their affidavits.”

The bench was about to dictate its order when the counsel for many states requested it to grant them a final opportunity to comply with the court order. Making it clear to the counsel that such an attitude cannot be appreciated, the bench allowed the final chance, asking the states and union territories to file their affidavits within two weeks.

It added that the Chief Secretaries will have to remain present personally to explain the non-compliance of various directions of the apex court passed from time to time in this regard if the affidavits and action taken reports are not filed. The bench posted the matter in the second week of May.

Since 2006, the top court has issued a string of directives for removal of unauthorised constructions, including places of worships, from roads and public places.

WATCH INDIAN EXPRESS VIDEOS HERE

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.