HC-Mandated Survey Begins on Parasnath Hill; Jain Trust Flags Encroachments, Ritual Violations

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Ranchi: In a significant step to uphold the sanctity of Parasnath Hill—one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Jain community—the Jharkhand High Court has initiated strong measures through its May 2 order in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jyot, a trust representing Jain interests.

The court directed a complete ban on activities considered defiling to the sacred site, specifically the consumption of liquor and meat, and prohibited any tourism-related developments on the hill. Emphasising the need to preserve the religious integrity and spiritual atmosphere of the region, the court also ordered the State to implement strict regulatory measures.

Additionally, in light of allegations regarding illegal encroachments, the court mandated a comprehensive land survey covering the entire 16,000-acre expanse of Parasnath Hill. This task was entrusted to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), to be conducted in the presence of representatives from both the petitioner Trust and the Respondent State.

On May 22, DLSA officials convened a preliminary meeting at the foothills of Parasnath and engaged with the Trust’s representatives. During the meeting, the Trust presented satellite images and Google Earth maps pinpointing various encroaching structures, including commercial shops believed to be in violation of court directives.

As the survey commenced, a point of contention arose. Government authorities chose to use motorbikes for navigating the hill terrain. However, the Trust’s representatives, invoking the High Court’s order, a 2018 State Government directive, and longstanding Jain religious practices that prohibit the use of vehicles on the sacred hill, declined to participate in the vehicular survey. Instead, they remained stationed at the base.

Despite this, the survey proceeded, and during the initial inspection, the judicial officer identified several encroaching structures, including commercial outlets selling items prohibited on the hill.

Further actions and detailed survey outcomes are awaited, as the matter remains under close judicial observation.

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