Supreme Court Dismisses Plea for Vishnu Idol in Khajuraho

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking to reconstruct a Vishnu idol at the Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh. The court termed it as 'publicity interest litigation' and stated that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India, leaving the plea unaddressed.

The Supreme Court rejected a plea on Tuesday seeking the reconstruction of a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh. Termed as 'publicity interest litigation,' the plea aimed to address a damaged idol at the Javari Temple.

Led by Chief Justice B R Gavai, the bench refused the plea by Rakesh Dalal, emphasizing that the issue relates to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The bench advised Dalal to seek divine intervention instead of legal, if he is a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu.

The plea claimed damage to the idol's head and sought its reconstruction, citing efforts to engage both the central home ministry and the ASI. Despite this, the court maintained that the matter lies firmly within ASI's jurisdiction.