The issue of removal of Hanuman temple from the official residence of Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait has gained momentum. The High Court Bar Association has expressed strong displeasure over this issue and has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Sanjiv Khanna demanding an investigation into the incident and action against the persons responsible.
Hanuman temple was declared historical
According to the complaint of the Bar Association, this Hanuman temple located in the official residence of the Chief Justice was of historical importance. Many former Chief Justices of the High Court, such as Justice SA Bobde, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Hemant Gupta, have been regular worshipers at this temple. This temple had not only religious but also cultural importance. Even many employees working at the official residence of the Chief Justice used to worship at the temple regularly.
Questions raised on removal of temple
It has been mentioned in the letter of the Bar Association that Muslim Chief Justices like Justice Rafat Alam and Justice Rafiq Ahmed have previously lived in this government residence, but they never raised any objection regarding the temple. In such a situation, questions have been raised as to why the decision to remove it was taken.
claim to be government property
It was also said in the letter that the official bungalow of the Chief Justice and the temple located in it, both are government properties. The temple has been rebuilt several times with government funds. In such a situation, demolishing it without government permission or statutory order is inappropriate and illegal. This move has been described as insulting to the followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Advocates raised complaint
On this issue, High Court advocate Ravindra Nath Tripathi had already written a letter to the President, Prime Minister, CJI, and Union Law Minister demanding action against Justice Kait. Tripathi said in his complaint that the Hanuman temple was not the personal property of Justice Kait and he had no right to remove it.
PIL filed on removal of temple
Following Tripathi’s complaint, another lawyer, inspired by the incident, has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding removal of the temples located in all police stations in the state.
Profile of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait
Only three months ago, the Supreme Court Collegium had appointed senior Delhi High Court judge Justice Suresh Kumar Kait as the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Earlier Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva was on this post. Justice Kait is a resident of Kaithal district of Haryana and has heard important cases like Jamia violence and CAA protests in the Delhi High Court.
