90-Year-Old Jain Temple Demolished by BMC in Vile Parle, Sparks Nationwide Protests
90-Year-Old Jain Temple Demolished by BMC in Vile Parle, Sparks Nationwide Protests
Jain community outraged after historic temple razed despite alleged court stay; officials accused of disrespecting religious sanctity.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday demolished a 90-year-old Jain temple in Mumbai’s Vile Parle (East), triggering an emotional uproar and widespread protests from Jain communities across the country.
The temple, referred to as a chaitalaya, was located within the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society in Kambliwadi. According to BMC, the structure was unauthorized and stood on land reserved for a recreational ground. The civic body claimed that multiple demolition notices had been served prior to the action.
However, the temple’s managing committee alleges otherwise. Trustee Anil Shah said the committee had submitted a proposal for regularization as permitted under an existing Government Resolution and that the structure had previously been renovated with BMC’s approval. Most notably, he said the demolition violated an oral stay order from a civil court, which was intended to allow time for an appeal to the High Court.
“They ignored the stay and came with full police force. Devotees were forcefully removed, religious books were thrown, and idols were mishandled. This was not just a demolition, it was a violation of our faith,” Shah claimed.
Eyewitnesses and community members expressed deep hurt, saying religious texts were damaged and temple artifacts disrespected during the operation. Some allege that the action was instigated by the influence of a local hotelier with vested interests in the land.
Protests have since erupted in various cities, with Jain groups demanding a judicial inquiry and immediate action against those responsible. A protest march is planned on Saturday to the K-East ward office, where community members are expected to present a formal demand for accountability and justice.
As of now, the BMC has not issued an official response.
This incident has reignited concerns about the treatment of religious structures amid urban development, especially when legal ambiguities and procedural lapses come into play.
