Karnataka Court: no church, temple or masjid should exist in public sites

The Times of India
7 March 2009

No shrines on public sites, HC tells govt

BANGALORE: The high court on Friday said no church, temple or masjid should exist in public sites and asked the state government to come out with
a uniform stand within two weeks. It asked the government what action it proposes to take about places of worship encroaching upon civic amenity sites and other public properties.

"If a poor man encroaches upon one cent of land, you make it a big issue. But in the name of god if it is encroached, you take it as blessings. As far as we are concerned, rule of law should prevail. You have to evict those people by giving notices in accordance with law, even issue notice to God if required. A principle of natural justice applies to God also. Don’t favour anybody.

"No church, temple or masjid in public sites, this is the stand of judiciary. It seems you are afraid to take any decision. There should be no sentimentalities in this issue," the division Bench headed by the chief justice remarked while hearing a PIL connected to encroachment of Lakshmana Rau Park in Okalipuram area.