The Supreme Court’s stay on the proposed demolition of Ananta Gopal Ashram here last week has given a new lease of hope to other religious structures of the city which are in the line of fire.
Following the apex court’s stay order restraining Cuttack district authorities from demolishing ‘Ananta Gopal
Ashram’ here and subsequent appeal from other religious trustees, the state today indicated that the ongoing illegal temple demolition drive would be halted till the SC’s order is examined.
The local Revenue Divisional Commissioner Aravinda Padhee is learnt to have assured a delegation of Cuttack
Dharmanusthan Committee that the demolition drive, which has been suspended since Saturday, will be put on hold till the government takes a decision after examining the Supreme Court stay order.
“We have also urged the RDC to halt the demolition drive till the appeals in the Supreme Court are disposed off”,
informed Suryakanta Sangneria, a member of the Dharmanusthan Committee.
The Supreme Court last week after adjudicating over a special leave petition (SLP) had directed the state and other respondents not to demolish the Ananta Gopal Ashram located in Mahanadi Vihar of the city.
Encouraged by such an order from the SC, other religious structures, which are facing similar threats from the administration, have decided to approach the apex court on similar grounds.
Following Orissa High Court order, the Cuttack district administration has identified at least 207 illegal religious structures in Cuttack city alone and subsequently began the demolition drive since May 1.
Till date at least 30 religious structures, including some old and famous temples have been grounded in the city.
—————————–PTI