Today, On 16th September, The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking restoration of a 7-foot beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho’s Javari temple, remarking, “Purely publicity interest litigation, go and pray Lord Vishnu,” stressing ASI’s permission is mandatory.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition requesting the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih stated that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rather than the court.
CJI Gavai remarked to the petitioner,
“This is purely publicity interest litigation, Go and ask the deity itself to do something now. You say you are a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. So go and pray now. It’s an archaeological site and ASI needs to give permission etc. Sorry,”
The petition, filed by Rakesh Dalal, argued that the idol was damaged during Mughal invasions and has remained unrepaired despite numerous appeals to the government for restoration.
It detailed the history of the Khajuraho temples, originally constructed by the Chandravanshi kings, and claimed that both colonial neglect and post-independence inaction have left the idol in its current state even after 77 years of independence.
Dalal contended that the refusal to restore the idol infringed on devotees’ fundamental right to worship, citing various protests, memoranda, and campaigns related to the temple that have gone unanswered.
Senior Advocate Sanjay M Nuli represented the petitioner.
The incident relates to a petition filed in the Supreme Court seeking the restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, which is part of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh
Case Title: Rakesh Dalal v. Union of India
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
