JDA Official Faces Suspension Following Temple Notice Controversy
The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has suspended one of its enforcement officers after a controversial encroachment notice was issued to a Shiv temple in Vaishali Nagar, sparking significant protests from local residents and Hindu organizations.
Enforcement Officer Arun Kumar Poonia was suspended with immediate effect on Friday, November 28, 2025, following widespread criticism of the notice that was addressed directly to the temple deity rather than to any individual or managing authority.
Protests Erupt Over Temple Notice
The controversy began when the JDA served an encroachment notice claiming that the Shiv temple in Vaishali Nagar had illegally occupied public land. The notice specifically alleged that the temple had constructed a boundary wall without obtaining proper permission from the development authority.
Local residents and members of Hindu groups, including the Bajrang Dal, quickly organized protests against what they perceived as disrespect toward the religious site. Protesters argued that the notice should have been directed toward specific individuals or a temple management committee rather than addressing the temple itself.
The notice cited Section 72 of the Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982, which deals specifically with encroachment or obstruction upon public land. According to the legal provisions mentioned, violations could result in one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Legal Background and Court Directives
The temple notice controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing legal pressure on the JDA to address encroachment issues throughout the city. In 2022, Jaipur resident Harsh Kumar filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) accusing the JDA of failing to perform its statutory duty of removing illegal constructions.
A High Court Bench comprising then acting Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Sameer Jain had ordered the JDA to conduct inquiries and take appropriate action against unauthorized constructions. The court had given the authority three months to comply with the directive.
When the JDA failed to take sufficient action, the petitioner moved a contempt petition last year. More recently, on September 11, 2024, the High Court directed the JDA to submit a status report detailing how many encroachments were identified on four specific roads in Vaishali Nagar, which falls under JDA zone 7, along with its action plan for removing such encroachments.
According to the disputed notice, the temple had allegedly encroached 1.59 meters and 1.06 meters into the road, and the JDA had given one week for the removal of the encroachment before the suspension of the officer.
Immediate Consequences and Public Reaction
The swift suspension of Enforcement Officer Arun Kumar Poonia demonstrates the sensitivity of the issue and the JDA's attempt to control the escalating situation. The development authority likely acted quickly to prevent further escalation of religious tensions in the area.
Local community members have expressed relief at the suspension but continue to demand greater sensitivity in handling matters involving religious structures. The incident has highlighted the complex balance between urban development regulations and religious sentiments in Indian cities.
This case represents a significant challenge for urban development authorities across India, who must navigate between enforcing building regulations and respecting religious and cultural sensitivities while addressing genuine public interest concerns about illegal encroachments on public property.
