The Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Supreme Court Judge Justice B.R. Gavai, seeking an urgent investigation into the demolition of an ancient Hanuman temple situated inside the official residence of Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, Justice Suresh Kumar Kait.
The letter, signed by Dhanya Kumar Jain, President of the Association, comes in response to a formal complaint made by Advocate Ravindra Nath Tripathi, a member of the M.P. High Court Bar, who alleged that the temple, located within the CJ’s bungalow, was demolished on CJ Kait’s directions.
ADVOCATE ALLEGES DESTRUCTION OF HISTORIC TEMPLE
According to Advocate Tripathi’s complaint, he learned through reliable sources that Justice Suresh Kumar Kait ordered the demolition of the ancient temple within his official compound. The complaint urges the CJI to initiate an inquiry into the incident and demands:
- Justice Kait recused himself from hearing a pending Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the removal of temples from police stations;
- Those criminal proceedings will be initiated, or permission will be granted to file a case against Justice Kait if any offense is made out.
LETTER HIGHLIGHTS WIDESPREAD DISCONTENT AMONG LEGAL FRATERNITY
The Bar Association’s letter to the Supreme Court underscores the emotional and spiritual impact of the alleged demolition:
“The ancient temple has been demolished, due to which an environment of sadness and anger has been created among the entire Advocates’ Association, legal fraternity, and the general public.”
The Association said the complaint by Advocate Tripathi was reviewed seriously, and it believes the issue warrants urgent judicial attention and independent investigation.
KEY ARGUMENTS RAISED IN THE LETTER TO CJI
HISTORICAL AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEMPLE
The letter describes the temple as a historic religious site revered by many former High Court Chief Justices, including Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, and Justice Hemant Gupta, who all reportedly performed daily worship there during their tenure.
“Justice Bobde also became the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Justice Khanwilkar is currently the Lokpal of India,” the letter adds, emphasizing the temple’s legacy and emotional value.
INCLUSIVITY AND RESPECT BY PREVIOUS JUDGES
The Association draws attention to past instances where Muslim judges, such as Justice Rafat Alam and Justice Rafiq Ahmed, had no objection to the existence or daily worship at the temple.
“Both the Muslim Judges never expressed any objection; rather, they always respected the religious sentiments of all the employees working in their bungalow,” the letter states.
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP AND USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS
The letter argues that since the bungalow and temple are government properties, and since government money was used to reconstruct and maintain the temple, its demolition without official permission constitutes misuse of public property.
“Tampering with and destroying the said temple without the permission of the Government or before passing any legal Order is not only insulting the majority of Sanatan loving people of the country but is also a distortion of Government property,” the letter states.
REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL ACTION
In conclusion, the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association has urged the Supreme Court to conduct a high-level inquiry and initiate appropriate legal action if wrongdoing is established.
“Through this letter, it has been requested to the Supreme Court to get the Complaint investigated at a high level as soon as possible and take legal action against those guilty of causing the incident.”
