Sir,

Hats off to the High Court Division Bench for quashing the PIL against the demolition of Devaraja Market (Star of Mysore dated Aug. 10).

From the news report it appears that the individuals who have filed the PIL against the demolition of this dilapidated market building have no direct stake in the building, but for the claim of maintenance of this  heritage structure.

Human life is more precious than the heritage value of any crumbling and dilapidated old structure. God forbid, suppose a part of Devaraja Market building collapses once again, when in operation with the present condition or after renovation, I can vouch that none of these petitioners will be around to safeguard the lives  of the shop-keepers or the public shopping in the market.

Devaraja Market building  has outlived its life and it is definitely better and wise to opt for a new structure very similar to the existing structure with additional facilities.

More than being sentimental  over the heritage value of Devaraja  Market, we should opt for a practical approach. Being sentimental will only invite miseries for the public operating in the vicinity of this building.

Unfortunately as per your report, one of the petitioners has opted to question the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court.  This will again prolong for a couple of years and by then the dilapidated market building will face more structural  damages.

– K. Chandrahas, Mysuru, 17.8.2023

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