Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court on Thursday put the demolition of Shree Baikuntha Dham Ashram on hold. The court issued an interim stay order directing the authorities of Bhubaneswar Development Authorities not to take any action against the ashram until December 12.
The High Court’s order came in response to a petition filed by Baikuntha Dham Sebashram Trust. In its plea, the petitioner informed the court that the civic authorities had not served any legal notice pertaining to the demolition drive at the ashram before making such an announcement. Besides, the petitioner informed the court that the outfit also applied for settlement of the government land in its name.
As per reports, the BDA authorities had earlier in the day announced to demolish the ashram after it was found that the palatial structure had been built on government land.
It is pertinent to note that the ashram invited criticism after a photo of a minor boy went viral with his father Kashinath Mishra who is a spiritual commentator projecting him as the Kalki Avatar (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Also, several photos of the child being worshipped at the ashram with a flower garland around his neck and sacred Tulsi at his feet have gone viral on social media.
