Latest news with #DigambarJainTemple
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BMC gives permission for temporary shed for Vile Parle Jain Temple idols
MUMBAI: Nearly a month after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) razed most of the 90-year-old Digambar Jain Temple in Vile Parle amid widespread protests, the civic body has now permitted the construction of a temporary shed over the temple's idols ahead of the monsoon season. The move follows a Bombay high court (HC) order issued on Wednesday, directing the Shree 1008 Digambar Jain Mandir Trust to formally apply to the BMC for interim shelter. Responding to the court's directive, the BMC approved the shed on Friday. Permission has been granted for a 232-square-metre structure at a nominal charge of ₹77 per square metre—amounting to ₹17,877. The approval is valid till October 31, contingent on the payment, which the temple trust confirmed has already been made. 'We will begin constructing the shed from Sunday,' said Anil Jain, trustee of the temple trust. 'The idols, the temple premises, and the saints who visit currently have no shelter. At the same time, we continue our legal battle against what we believe was an illegal demolition by the BMC. We are demanding that the temple be rebuilt.' In the wake of the incident, the Bombay high court has ordered a status quo to prevent further action at the site. BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who met with civic officials and temple trustees on Friday when the shed was approved, welcomed the development. 'This is not merely about religious sentiment, but a matter of public faith. We stood by the Jain community, and this decision reinforces their belief in justice,' he said. Lodha had earlier written to the assistant commissioner of the K-East ward on April 24, highlighting alleged encroachments in the same area by the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society and Radhakrishna Hotel, and demanded similar action.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Jain community in Pune protests against Mumbai temple's demolition by civic body
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished the Digambar Jain Temple at Vile Parle in Mumbai's western suburbs on April 16. On Tuesday, the Sakal Jain Sangh staged a two-hour protest against the demolition in Pune, raising slogans against the administration and the BMC. A large number of students, women, and youth from the Jain community participated in the protest. 'When places of faith are attacked, it deeply hurts the sentiments of people. Demolishing a temple is not just a religious matter; it is an insult to human emotions. We will fight this battle peacefully but firmly,' Achal Jain, a protester, said. Milind Phade echoed similar emotions. 'Through this protest, the Jain community has sent a clear message to the authorities that the insult of religious places will not be tolerated. When a community that walks the path of peace and non-violence steps onto the streets, it reflects deep pain and outrage,' Phade said. Former corporator Abhay Chhajed highlighted how the issue was not limited to Mumbai. 'The Jain community is peace-loving. For us to come onto the streets is a rare occurrence. But today's protest was planned because this issue is not limited to Mumbai alone. Such incidents have taken place in Palitana (Gujarat), Shikharji, and a few other temples as well. I have served as a corporator for 25 years, and I know how the administration functions. This matter is extremely serious and must be addressed with due seriousness,' he said. Advocate Yogesh Pande said the 'brutality' with which the temple was bulldozed had deeply hurt the community. 'The statue of our Tirthankara was shattered into pieces, which to us is unacceptable. This is a very serious situation and begs the question of how the BMC authorities were allowed to act in such a disrespectful way. People were still offering prayers inside the temple when the demolition started. How can this be tolerated? This is a clear abuse of power,' he said. The protestors demanded that the government take the issue seriously and take strict action against those responsible. A memorandum listing these demands of the community was submitted to Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam.
