Reversing its earlier order, the Bombay High Court today ruled that security wall around the famous Siddhivinayak temple will stay, but directed an yearly review of the threat perception to the temple by the police.
The wall was built by the temple trust in 2006 on the advice of the police department as they apprehended a terrorist attack on the famous temple. But the construction partially blocked two roads adjacent to the temple, to the chagrin of residents of the area.
A division bench of Justices Bilal Nazki and VK Tahilramani dismissed a PIL filed by the residents who complained of inconvenience due to the wall, saying that Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai had followed due procedure.
In 2007, the High Court had ordered demolition of the wall saying Corporation had not granted sanction to the construction properly. But the Supreme Court stayed the demolition, and sent matter back to High Court.
Earlier, during the hearing, government had said that Intelligence Bureau reports had indicated that terrorist could attack the temple by driving in an explosive-laden vehicle.
Judges on Wednesday said that the Commissioner of Police should review the threat perception to the temple every year, and submit a report.
If the threat has diminished or "vanished altogether, Corporation may reconsider reopening the roads that have been closed", court said.
Judges on Wednesday said that the Commissioner of Police should review the threat perception to the temple every year, and submit a report.
If the threat has diminished or "vanished altogether, Corporation may reconsider reopening the roads that have been closed", court said.