The Delhi High Court made a sharp remark, stating that allowing any sadhu, baba, or guru to construct a shrine or Samadhi Sthal on public land and use it for their benefit would have terrible effects and jeopardize the wider public interest.The high court reiterated the declaration, saying that naga sadhus, who are followers of Lord Shiva are ordained to live a life of total detachment from worldly problems and that pursuing property rights in their names is inconsistent with their practices and beliefs.It is worth to be noted that the statement from the court has come while dismissing a petition filed by Mahant Naga Baba Shankar Giri through his successor seeking to direct the district magistrate to demarcate the property of the shrine of Naga Baba Bhola Giri at Triveni Ghat, Nigam Bodh Ghat.While dismissing the petition, the court said that it was bereft of any merits and that the petitioner had no right, title, or interest to continue to use and occupy the property.According to the sources, these could be the reasons behind it:Public Land Scarcity: Theres a limited amount of public land available, and if everyone could build on it, there wouldnt be enough for parks, schools, or other public needs.Potential for Misuse: The Court expressed concern that some sadhus or gurus might use public land for personal gain, like charging for entry to their shrines. If shrines were unregulated, some religious figures might get prime locations while others wouldnt have a chance.It should be noted that the Delhi High Court wasnt saying religious practice shouldnt be allowed on public land. There are designated places for religious structures, but they likely go through a permitting process to ensure they follow regulations.
