Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has put the BDA’s order for demolition of controversial Shree Baikuntha Dham Ashram at Ghatikia in Bhubaneswar on hold.
In an interim order on Thursday, Justice BP Routray of the High Court said since the Ashram has not been issued a notice for eviction, the proposed demolition should not be carried out.
“SK Mishra, senior advocate for the Ashram, which is a trust for imparting yoga, has not been noticed in any manner for eviction though his application for settlement of the land has been recommended by the School and Mass Education Department. But the authorities are now proceeding for eviction of the Ashram,” the order stated.
“As an interim, it is directed that no coercive action should be taken against the petitioner in respect of Plot No. 1215 under Khata No. 2333 of mouza-Ghatikia, Bhubaneswar till December 12,” it added.
The court fixed the date of next hearing on the case on December 12.
Earlier in the day, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) announced that the Ashram would be demolished on Friday.
The officials from the GA department and Bhubaneswar tehsil office along the BDA’s enforcement squad had carried an assessment of the ashram on Monday following the allegation of land encroachment against its owners.
The team of officials had found that the ashram was built on an area of 0.140 acre. “The ashram is located on plot numbers 9037 and 9038. On verification, it was found to be government land,” they said.
Also Read: BDA To Demolish Baikuntha Dham Ashram In Bhubaneswar Tomorrow