Ashok Tanwar seeks modification of SC order on Ravidas Temple

Former president of Haryana Congress Ashok Tanwar filed an application in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, seeking a modification of its order which paved way for the reconstruction of the Ravidas temple. The Apex court in its order on October 21 accepted the Centre's proposal for reconstruction of the temple at the same site and had increased the area for the construction from 200 to 400 square metres. The directions came on a petition filed by Tanwar and former minister Pradeep Jain. They had sought restoration of idols and pond at the site.

Ashok Tanwar not satisfied with SC's order

Tanwar said that the top court had accepted their demands, but the same did not reflect in the order. "It appears to have happened due to typographical and clerical mistake, which requires modification," he said in the petition. The petitioner sought the temple to be made a "permanent structure and not a portacabin made out of wood".  He also demanded to make Guru Ravidas pond and samadhis a part of the temple complex.

Guru Ravidas Temple demolished by DDA 

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Congress leader Rajesh Lilothia seeking direction to allow construction of a Guru Ravidas temple in the Tughlaqabad forest area in Delhi. The temple was demolished by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) following the court's direction as it was built on encroached forest land. Lilothia, in his plea, while emphasising on his right to pray, informed the apex court that the temple at Tughlaqbad was not a part of the list of unauthorised religious places in Delhi.

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SC warned against politicization of the issue

He had also said that the temple had historic significance, as it was built on the land that was allotted by Sultan Sikander Lodhi to Guru Ravidas himself in 1509. "The demolition of this sacred temple has hurt crores of followers across the countries, who were never informed by the authorities before this demolition," read the plea. Following the demolition, the protests were held against the action by devotees as well as political parties. The Supreme Court had warned political parties that attempt to politicize the matter would be viewed as contempt of court.

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(With ANI inputs)