Allahabad High Court rejects PIL seeking halt to construction at Prayagraj Temple

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a halt to what was described as unlawful commercial construction on the premises of the Ram Janki temple in Shankargarh.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra ruled that the court cannot intervene in matters related to private or non-government property. According to revenue records, the nearly 200-year-old Ram Janki temple in Sadar Bazar, Shankargarh, stands on the private estate of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, who was named as one of the respondents. The petitioner had also demanded action against him.

While rejecting the PIL filed by Ghanshyam Prasad Kesarwani, the court observed that a public interest plea seeking directions to the state regarding private land is not maintainable. “The petition is therefore dismissed,” the bench stated.

The court noted that the petitioner failed to establish that the temple land was government property but clarified that he may pursue appropriate legal remedies through other channels if he wishes.

Those listed in the petition included the principal secretary of the Dharmarth Karya Vibhag (Department of Religious Affairs), the Prayagraj commissioner, district magistrate, as well as the Bara SDM and the executive officer of Shankargarh Nagar Panchayat.

(with inputs from agencies)