A significant protest emerged when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) executed a demolition of a 90-year-old Jain Temple in Vile Parle, Mumbai on April 13, 2025. Before the Bombay High Court reviewed the appeal, the BMC initiated the temple demolition process.
विलेपार्ले में स्थित पूज्य श्री पार्श्वनाथ भगवान के जैन मंदिर को हटाए जाने की घटना से जैन समाज की भावनाओं को ठेस पहुँची है। यह केवल एक धार्मिक स्थल नहीं, बल्कि समाज की आस्था और श्रद्धा का केंद्र था। इस संदर्भ में आज बड़ी संख्या में जैन समाज के श्रद्धालु एकत्रित होकर शांतिपूर्ण… pic.twitter.com/xtDEWpilND
— Mangal Prabhat Lodha (@MPLodha) April 19, 2025
The Shri Parasnath Jain Temple established its presence in the area in 1935, bringing significant spiritual value to the surrounding Jain faith community. It was not only a place to worship but also a symbol of faith and heritage. The temple was subjected to a legal dispute soon after it was renovated in 1998.
BMC’s Demolition Action
The BMC issued an eviction order because it deemed the building illegal. The temple trust then petitioned the Bombay High Court to avoid the demolition process. Despite receiving the petition, the BMC conducted its demolition action before the court could hold its hearing.
शांत जैन समाज की आज मुंबई की सड़कों पर उठी आवाज़, मंदिर को तोड़ने वाले हो जाओ सावधान, कर्मों का खेल तुम्हें छोड़ेगा नहीं , एक के बाद, बाकी का नंबर मैं देर नहीं लगेगी। pic.twitter.com/TDI2quGCJl
— Sharad Jain (@SandhyMahalaxmi) April 19, 2025
People belonging to the Jain community showed profound sadness about this incident that damaged their essential spiritual sentiments. The members of the Jain community felt strongly about their historic temple, which stood near their community, while criticizing the BMC for its premature action without permitting the needed legal process. The civic authorities face demands for accountability from community leaders while these leaders evaluate taking additional legal action to resolve the situation.
This incident is now a part of the discussion and has definitely caused tension between civic authorities and religious organizations that exist throughout Mumbai. During previous demolition drives conducted by the BMC, they directed their action towards unauthorized constructions, which resulted in public disputes and public demonstrations.
The Shri Parasnath Jain Digamber Mandir demolition affected Jain religious feelings while raising doubts about how BMC handles sensitive and tragic situations. The High Court continues to receive claims for justice from the community alongside their demand to bring back their place of worship, while highlighting the necessity for proper protocols and responsiveness toward religious centers.
Jain Community Protest
Ek hai to Safe hai ✊
Both the Digambar and Shwetambar sects are standing together , no matter what happens but today everyone is standing together to protect the religion… We can do everything by staying united. @YoungJainsIndia#JainCommunity #jainrally @anamikamber… pic.twitter.com/LRwSfxxUHE— Tanvi Jain 🇮🇳 (@TanviSolanki_) April 19, 2025
A protest march started at around 9:30 AM from Vile Parle and is headed to the BMC’s K/East ward office in Andheri East against the BMC. The trustee of the temple, Anil Shah, said,
“There is a Government Resolution which says such structures can be regularized. You are only required to submit the proposal for regularization to the BMC, which we had submitted.”
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