In a controversy sparking outrage the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association has filed a formal complaint with the Supreme Court, alleging that Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait ordered the demolition of an ancient Hanuman mandir located within his official residence in Pachpedi, Jabalpur. The Association has demanded an investigation and appropriate action, citing violations of religious sentiments and government property regulations.
According to the Bar Association’s letter to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna of the Supreme Court, the Hanuman temple predates the construction of the Chief Justice’s bungalow and was later integrated into the premises. The Association claims that previous occupants of the bungalow, including Justices S.A. Bobde and A.M. Khanwilkar, actively worshipped at the temple. Even Muslim Chief Justices, such as Justice Rafat Alam and Justice Rafiq Ahmad, respected the temple’s presence and facilitated its upkeep.
Advocate Dhananjay Kumar Jain, President of the Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association, described the temple as modest in size, measuring approximately 5×6 feet, and housing murti of Hanuman ji and a Shivling. He stated, “This temple was here long before the bungalow. Previous Chief Justices and even their staff would perform daily prayers without any objections.”
The Bar Association alleges that Justice Kait, a follower of Buddhism, ordered the demolition of the temple shortly after assuming office in September 2024. The murtis were reportedly removed, and no governmental or judicial order was cited to justify the action. The Association argues that this act disrespected Hindu sentiments and violated constitutional protections for religious freedom.
Senior Advocate Jain emphasised, “The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. But when members of the judiciary themselves demolish temples, it raises grave concerns about the protection of constitutional rights.”
Jain further revealed that Justice Rafat Alam had personally renovated the temple and even removed his shoes as a mark of respect before entering the area. In contrast, Justice Kait’s alleged actions have led to calls for his transfer to another High Court and for the temple to be rebuilt.
The complaint was initially brought to the Bar Association by lawyer Ravindra Nath Tripathi. Tripathi has also requested that Justice Kait recuse himself from a pending PIL opposing the construction of temples within Madhya Pradesh police stations. He argued that such temples contravene constitutional values and has demanded criminal proceedings against Justice Kait if the allegations are substantiated.
Tripathi stated, “If proven, these actions not only desecrate a place of worship but also undermine public faith in the judiciary’s role as a protector of rights.”
The Bar Association has formally appealed to the Supreme Court to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against those responsible. They have also highlighted the need to restore the temple to its original state.
Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, originally from Haryana, has served as a judge in the Delhi High Court and the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts. Appointed Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court by the Supreme Court Collegium in September 2024, he has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations.
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