The Supreme Court of India has turned down a public interest litigation (PIL) that demanded the reconstruction of a damaged 7-foot-tall idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s famous Khajuraho temple complex. This historic site, known for its stunning ancient architecture, has been drawing attention over long-standing neglect.
On Tuesday, a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih made it clear that this issue belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), not the top court. They simply said, “We’re not taking up this writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. It’s dismissed.”
The petitioner, who heads the National Veer Kisan Majdoor Dal, pointed out how both the central government and the Madhya Pradesh government have ignored the temples for years. Despite sending letters and making repeated pleas, nothing has changed. “These Khajuraho temples, built by the Chandravanshi kings centuries ago, even worked as ancient schools or ‘Paathshaala’. But 77 years after independence, officials haven’t done enough to restore them or protect people’s right to worship,” the petition argued, filed through lawyers Nuli & Nuli.
The plea detailed the group’s efforts to push for action—like writing to the Union Home Minister in 2019 and 2020, holding protests or ‘Dharna’ at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, submitting memos to the central government, and even organizing night vigils or ‘Jaagran’ near the temple. Yet, the beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at Javari Temple remains broken, hurting the feelings of devotees, according to the petitioner.
Back in March 2023, the Superintending Archaeologist replied that while ASI handles conservation of the entire Khajuraho temples, putting back the damaged idol would break strict heritage preservation rules. This decision highlights the ongoing debate around restoring ancient Indian temples and balancing history with religious sentiments.
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