In protest against this action, thousands of devotees gathered in the temple premises and began religious worship through penance, chanting, and recitation of mantras.

Due to the relentless efforts of Sangh members (Shravaks and Shravikas), Acharya Bhagwants, devotees, trustees of Shri Bherulalji Kothari Religious Trust, and community leaders, an interim application (Appeal No. 10920/2026) was filed in the High Court to stay the BMC order dated 08.04.2026.

The Honorable Bench of Justice Milind Jadhav in the High Court strongly reprimanded the BMC and granted a stay order on the demolition of Chandanbala Derasar.

In 2018, a letter signed by some society members authorized Mr. Bhupesh Rathod to file a court case only regarding fire safety concerns in the basement. However, in the application submitted to the court, multiple complaints were included.

In Writ Petition No. 1223/2018 against the trust, under Court Application No. CONPW (L)/11013/2026, the applicant (Mr. Bhupesh Rathod) has requested imprisonment of trustees and the manager/supervisor for six months along with financial penalties. A contempt petition has also been filed seeking the appointment of a court receiver to take possession of the basement.

In opposition to this, other society members have filed an interim application, which is scheduled for hearing in the High Court on 29.04.2026. The application requests that Mr. Bhupesh Rathod’s authority be limited only to fire safety concerns in the basement and that other claims be dismissed.

Members who have filed the interim application opposing the demolition are reportedly being threatened and pressured by some managing committee members to withdraw their application.

The trust’s kitchen has been closed for the past 7–8 years. A temporary shed near the basement is used only to provide boiled water for monks and nuns. No other activities take place in the basement, except for daily lectures lasting about two hours.

Despite this, committee members have objected to continuing lectures after religious observances like Ayambil Oli and Anushthans. Jainism is always regarded as one of the most peaceful religions—so why would Jain followers support such harassment?

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https://globalprimenews.com/2026/04/16/high-court-halts-bmc-demolition-of-chandanbala-derasar-amid-massive-devotee-protest/