Allahabad HC seeks response from Centre, ASI over plea alleging temple presence inside Taj Mahal
Prayagraj, July 6
The Allahabad High Court has intervened in the long-standing legal dispute concerning the claim of a 'Tejo Mahalaya' temple within the Taj Mahal complex, directing the Union Government and the Archaeological Survey of India to submit their counter-affidavits.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal issued the directive while hearing a petition challenging the lower courts' refusal to appoint an Advocate Commissioner for a survey and scientific documentation of the site. In addition to the government and the ASI, the court has also issued a formal notice to respondent Pankaj Kumar Verma.
The issue stems from a declaratory suit filed in 2015 at the Agra Civil Court, in which the petitioners--representing the 'Lord Shri Agreshwar Mahadev Nagnatheshwar Virajman Tejo Mahalaya Temple'--seek legal recognition of the complex as a temple site.
During the ongoing proceedings in the Agra court, the petitioners moved an application seeking the appointment of an Advocate Commissioner to conduct a survey and photography of the premises to ascertain the historical nature of the structure. This request was initially rejected by the trial court, and a subsequent revision plea was dismissed by the Additional District Judge on the grounds of maintainability.
Senior Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, representing the petitioners via video conference, argued that the lower courts erred in dismissing their plea. He maintained that a scientific survey and photographic record are critical for reaching a fair and definitive resolution of the dispute.
The High Court's latest order marks a new turn in the case, as the judicial process now shifts to obtaining official responses from the central authorities regarding the proposed survey.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why can't we just conduct a scientific survey? If there's nothing there, it'll settle the matter once and for all. But if there ARE remnants of a temple beneath, then history needs to be rewritten. Truth should always prevail. 🤔
The judiciary is wasting its time on fringe theories when there are real issues like poverty, unemployment, and corruption plaguing our nation. This is nothing but a diversionary tactic. Concentrate on matters that affect the common man!
I visited Taj Mahal last year, and let me tell you, it's an architectural marvel, no matter what its origins are. But if our ancestors built something there earlier, we have the right to know about it. The ASI should just do a proper excavation and settle this debate. Simple!
Interesting case. In the US, historical preservation is taken very seriously, but we don't see lawsuits claiming every old building was originally something else. India's rich history means there are layers everywhere. Hope the court finds a balanced solution that respects all heritage.
I think the lower courts were right in rejecting this plea initially. Such petitions only polarize communities and waste public money. Let the Archaeological Survey do its job without political interference, and let us enjoy the beauty of the monument as it stands today.
J James A