The Delhi High Court has requested reports from Kalkaji Temple Mahant Surendra Nath and the Delhi Police following the death of a 17-year-old boy who was electrocuted by an uncovered wire during the Navratri event at the temple. Justice Prathiba M. Singh, who is presiding over the case, expressed concern over the recurring nature of such incidents, noting that a similar tragedy occurred last year.
Justice Singh has directed Mahant Surendra Nath to submit a detailed report on the measures taken to manage the Navratri event and ensure crowd safety. Additionally, the Delhi Police has been asked to provide a status report on the circumstances leading to the teenager’s death.
The court expressed concern over the fact that there is currently no administrator overseeing the temple, despite redevelopment work being underway. It was noted that the court-appointed administrator had not been paid remuneration, and no replacement had been made. The Mahant, acting as the baridar (traditional custodian), has now been tasked with reporting on the crowd management efforts.
The High Court also directed the standing counsel to file a status report ahead of a hearing scheduled for Monday. The court emphasized the need for proper event management at the temple, citing repeated incidents that have occurred in recent years.
