The Pioneer
NEW DELHI, INDIA, April 27, 2003: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued a demolition notice to Shri Sanatan Dharam temple for having allegedly constructed area in excess than the authorized “Floor Area Ratio” — the allowable area for building construction on a given lot size. The notice requires the temple authorities to demolish almost the whole temple complex, spread over 1.75 acres, including four temples, the charitable trust office, pravachan halls and the dharmasala. The probable date for demolition was April 26. The devotees protesting against the order said it was discriminatory and demanded that all the places of worship throughout the country be demolished as very few are in accordance with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi laws. The temple is 35-years-old and is constructed on authorized land acquired in Greater Kailash II. “The temple should not be demolished as there was no such law existing at the time of its construction,” said temple president Rajnish Goenka.