New Delhi, December 07: The Supreme Court today warned the states that they would be in “serious trouble” and face “consequences” if any fresh place of worship like temple, mosque and church is allowed to be constructed at public places.
A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and A K Patnaik also directed the states/UTs to file compliance reports of its September 29 direction banning construction of fresh places of worship, failing which it said the respective Chief Secretaries/Administrators shall personally appear before the court on February 4.
The apex court also cautioned the Chief Secretaries/ Administrators against taking its directions casually.
“We do not want to have any fresh construction. If anything happens after our order, you are going to be in great difficulty, whatever may be the consequences.
“Let the Chief Secretaries file their affidavit. They cannot treat it casually like they do in other cases and get away,” Justice Bhandari, heading the bench, told the counsel representing various states.
The apex court gave vent to its anger after noting that most of the states, though given six weeks in its September 29 order, did not comply with the same. Most of the states have sought time.
Stating that “this is the last opportunity,” the apex court granted six more weeks to states to file their compliance reports through affidavits.
–PTI