“The high court has directed the demolition of the temple. Issue notice, returnable in eight weeks. In the meanwhile, the demolition of the temple shall remain stayed,” the bench ordered.

The top court noted the contention of the residents’ body, which claimed not having an opportunity to be heard before the high court.

Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, appearing for the residents, said both sides were not given an opportunity to be heard by the high court and even pleadings were not completed.

The temple was alleged to have been illegally built without permission on the plot earmarked as open space land of an apartment complex.

The high court while directing demolition said the apartment owners association could not produce any permission for the construction of the temple in the open space. PTI MNL MNL AMK AMK