Hindu Community Sues Elgin to Overturn 59-Year-Old Decree Blocking Temple

The proposed development includes a multi-million dollar temple, a community center, and townhouses. The plaintiffs, a nonprofit religious organization, purchased the land in 2021 with the intention of building a place of worship. However, the city has refused to rezone the property, citing the long-standing industrial designation.

According to the complaint, the city has allowed other religious institutions to build in similarly zoned areas, but has denied the Hindu group's requests. The lawsuit claims the city's actions amount to discrimination and impose a substantial burden on the group's religious exercise.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the 1967 decree invalid and to order the city to permit the temple's construction. A city spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation.