90-year-old Jain temple demolished in Mumbai’s Vile Parle, Jain community holds prote
90-year-old Jain temple demolished in Mumbai’s Vile Parle, Jain community holds protest rally
M.U.H
19/04/202526
In a highly controversial move, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished a 90-year-old Digambar Jain temple, Shri 1008 Parshwanath Derasar, located in Vile Parle (East), claiming it to be ‘illegal’.
Despite the matter being in court for years and reaching the Supreme Court, no ruling was made in favor of the temple. Devotees rushed to court at the last minute in an attempt to stay the demolition, but before any hearing could take place, the demolition was carried out under heavy police presence.
According to temple trustee Anil Shah, the structure had existed since 1935, and under municipal rules, structures built before 1961-62 are considered legal. He accused the authorities and civic officials of colluding to bring down the temple, which he said symbolised the faith of Jain devotees.
Despite the demolition, the devotees have resumed worship at the site and pledged to rebuild the temple through legal channels.
During the demolition, a lathi-charge (baton charge) was reportedly carried out by the police to disperse protesting devotees.
Shah stated that the civic body had given a short notice and proceeded with the demolition early on Wednesday morning, even though the Supreme Court had allowed eight days to present documents in a lower court.
Vile Parle MLA Parag Alavani confirmed that he had requested municipal officials to delay the demolition and allow time for a court hearing, but the BMC proceeded citing prior court orders declaring the temple structure illegal.
BMC officials maintained that all legal procedures were followed and that the structure had no legal documentation proving its legitimacy. The BMC’s K-East Ward officials claimed the issue had been in litigation for 20 years in city civil court, High Court, and Supreme Court, and with no stay order in place, the demolition was carried out as per protocol.
The Jain community has since held protest rallies demanding accountability and justice.
