The Supreme Court has rejected a request to restore a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh.
A Bench consisting of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih stated that the matter falls under the Jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and not the court.
Supreme Court dismiss the request
“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. Sorry,” Chief Justice Gavai told to the petitioner.
The petition was filed by Rakesh Dalal, who claimed the idol was damaged during Mughal invasions and has remained that way despite repeated pleas to the government for restoration.
Vishnu Idol remain unrepaired for 77 years
It detailed the history of the Khajuraho temples, originally built by the Chandravanshi kings. The petition alleged that both colonial neglect and inaction after independence have left the idol unrepaired even 77 years after Independence.
The petitioner argued that the Supreme Court refusal to restore the idol infringes on devotees’ fundamental right to worship. The petition pointed out the protests, memoranda, and campaigns related to the temple that have gone unanswered.
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