The Jharkhand High Court recently issued notice to the Central and State governments in a plea concerning the preservation of Parasnath Hill as a sacred place of worship, free from activities that undermine its religious character..A Bench of Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Deepak Roshan observed,"Notice to the respondents. Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, learned Advocate General accepts notice on behalf of respondent nos. 1, 4 & 5 and Mr. Anil Kumar, learned ASGI accepts notice on behalf of respondent nos. 2 & 3. List on 19.02.2025. Counter-affidavit be filed by the respondents in the meantime.".A religious trust named "Jyot," based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and mentored by Jainacharya Yugbhushansuri, has raised concerns about the sanctity of Parasnath Hill, a sacred site for the Jain community. Parasnath Hill, which includes a significant portion designated as a wildlife sanctuary, has been subject to various governmental decisions over the years.The plea further added that in 2015, the Jharkhand Chief Minister assured the development of Parasnath Hill as a global spiritual center. Subsequently, in 2018, the State acknowledged the site's sanctity and pledged its protection. A 2019 notification by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change aimed to conserve the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary. In January 2023, the Central government issued an Office Memorandum staying certain tourism and eco-tourism activities while enforcing bans on the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food, it was averred..The petition highlighted that no public objections were invited for the ropeway project, and structures not present in historical maps have been observed on the Hill in recent years.It claimed that Right to Information applications seeking information on these developments were delayed or left unanswered. Historical judgments, including one from 2004, emphasised the State's obligation to maintain the sanctity of the site and ensure arrangements to respect Jain religious sentiments, it was added..Senior Advocate Darius Khambata along with Advocates Indrajit Sinha, Bhavik Lalan, Khushboo Kataruka, Subham Kataruka and Ushma Pandey appeared for the petitioner.Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan appeared for the State.Additional Solicitor General of India Anil Kumar appeared for the Centre..[Read Order]
The Jharkhand High Court recently issued notice to the Central and State governments in a plea concerning the preservation of Parasnath Hill as a sacred place of worship, free from activities that undermine its religious character..A Bench of Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Deepak Roshan observed,"Notice to the respondents. Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, learned Advocate General accepts notice on behalf of respondent nos. 1, 4 & 5 and Mr. Anil Kumar, learned ASGI accepts notice on behalf of respondent nos. 2 & 3. List on 19.02.2025. Counter-affidavit be filed by the respondents in the meantime.".A religious trust named "Jyot," based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and mentored by Jainacharya Yugbhushansuri, has raised concerns about the sanctity of Parasnath Hill, a sacred site for the Jain community. Parasnath Hill, which includes a significant portion designated as a wildlife sanctuary, has been subject to various governmental decisions over the years.The plea further added that in 2015, the Jharkhand Chief Minister assured the development of Parasnath Hill as a global spiritual center. Subsequently, in 2018, the State acknowledged the site's sanctity and pledged its protection. A 2019 notification by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change aimed to conserve the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary. In January 2023, the Central government issued an Office Memorandum staying certain tourism and eco-tourism activities while enforcing bans on the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food, it was averred..The petition highlighted that no public objections were invited for the ropeway project, and structures not present in historical maps have been observed on the Hill in recent years.It claimed that Right to Information applications seeking information on these developments were delayed or left unanswered. Historical judgments, including one from 2004, emphasised the State's obligation to maintain the sanctity of the site and ensure arrangements to respect Jain religious sentiments, it was added..Senior Advocate Darius Khambata along with Advocates Indrajit Sinha, Bhavik Lalan, Khushboo Kataruka, Subham Kataruka and Ushma Pandey appeared for the petitioner.Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan appeared for the State.Additional Solicitor General of India Anil Kumar appeared for the Centre..[Read Order]
