The vs Mandir In Ulavapadu Gramc

R. Raghunandan Rao, J

The petitioner, who is said to be a devotee of Sri Krishna Mandir in Ulavapadu Gram Panchayat, Prakasam District, has approached this Court, by way of the present writ petition. According to the petitioner, the Gram Panchayat had allotted Ac.2.00 cents of land, for construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, by way of a resolution dated 22.11.1996. Thereafter, the temple was constructed in the said land and the temple continues to exist therein.

The 3rd respondent has now issued a notice in R.O.C.No.06/2021 dated 13.12.2021, informing the petitioner that a direction had been issued by the Hon'ble Lokayukta, for removal of this temple, and consequently the temple authorities removed the temple from the said site.

Sri Y.Subba Rao learned counsel, appearing for the petitioner would submit that this notice does not give any details as to the orders that are said to have been passed by Hon'ble Lokayukta nor the circumstances in which such an order has been passed. He submits that directing the removal of temple without any information being given as to the contents of the order of the Hon'ble Lokayukta, and without giving an opportunity to the petitioner and other devotees to approach necessary forums in the event of an adverse order by the Hon'ble Lokayukta, amounts to violation of principles of natural justice.

Sri V.Vinod K. Reddy learned counsel, appearing for the 3rd respondent would submit that the notice had been issued by the 3rd respondent strictly in accordance with the directions of the Hon'ble Lokayukta and as such, does not require any interference from this Court.

In view of the fact that no material has been placed to show as to what was the order of the Hon'ble Loka yukta or as to the conditions in which such an order was passed, it would be appropriate to dispose of this writ petition, with a direction to the 3rd respondent to serve a copy of the order of the Hon'ble Lokayukta to the petitioner along with a copy being served on the temple and to give an opportunity to the petitioner and other devotees to give their explanation and objections before any further steps are taken for demolishing the said temple.

Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

As a sequel, the miscellaneous applications, if any pending, shall stand closed.