Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking the replacement and consecration of a seven-foot Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, declaring the matter falls under the Archaeological Survey of India’s jurisdiction.
A Bench of Chief Justice B. R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran said the plea, filed by devotee Rakesh Dalal, constituted a “publicity interest litigation” and refused to issue any directive regarding the idol’s reconstruction. CJI Gavai remarked, “Go and ask the deity himself to do something… If you are saying that you are a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, then you pray and do some meditation.”
Dalal’s petition argued that the head of the Vishnu idol at the Javari Temple has remained damaged since its mutilation during Mughal invasions, and that numerous representations to both the Union Home Ministry and the ASI have failed to lead to restoration. He sought orders for the idol’s replacement, reconstruction, or rejuvenation in place of the headless idol.
The court observed that conservation protocols under ASI rules prevent unauthorised restoration of archaeological findings. The bench underscored that Khajuraho’s temple complex is protected under ASI, which regulates disturbance, repair or replacement of artefacts in heritage sites. The petition’s requests, the court noted, raise complex conservation issues beyond the judiciary’s mandate.
While rejecting the plea, the Bench also mentioned alternative options: worship at the site could continue, pointing out the presence of a large Shiva linga at Khajuraho, which devotees can use in the interim.
The judgment has ignited debate among heritage experts and devotees. Some conservationists stress that ASI’s rules aim to preserve authenticity and discourage reconstruction unless there is clear archaeological evidence and careful scientific study. Others feel the damaged idol affects the cultural and religious fabric of the site and want ASI to consider restoration under stringent heritage norms.
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