‘Pavements shouldn’t be obstructed by encroachments’

• Delhi HC orders shifting of shrine built on footpath

New Delhi: Observing that pavements should not be obstructed by encroachments as it could lead to traffic hazards as well as imperil life of pedestrians, the Delhi High Court has directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to remove a temple built illegally on a footpath near C R Park here.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar told the corporation that, while bringing the pavement in question to its original condition, the deities in the temple be shifted to another place without damaging them. 

It directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-East) to ensure that adequate police protection is made available to the SDMC for implementing the court's order in which the bench also asked the corporation to file a status report within eight weeks regarding the steps taken by it. 

The direction by the court came while disposing of a PIL against encroachments on the pavement at Govind Puri Extension opposite F-Block of C R Park. 

While disposing of the matter, the bench said, "Pavements have to be maintained as pavements and no obstruction thereon can be permitted.