Following High Court Order: DLSA Survey Reveals Structures and Non-Vegetarian Food Consumption on Parasnath Hill

Ranchi: In response to an interim order passed by the Jharkhand High Court on May 2, a court-mandated survey has revealed the presence of multiple structures and the consumption of non-vegetarian food on Parasnath Hill—one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for the Jain community.

The petition, filed by the organization Jyot under the guidance of Acharya Yugbhushan Suri, the 79th successor of Tirthankar Mahavir Swami, seeks to protect the religious sanctity of the hill. Acknowledging the site’s immense spiritual significance, the High Court directed several protective measures, including a detailed field survey to assess human activity on the hill. This task was entrusted to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

The first phase of the survey took place on May 22 but remained incomplete due to time and logistical constraints. The second leg of the survey was conducted on May 27, covering the north-west forest region of the hill and nearby hamlets such as Jarabad and Dahiya.

The survey team comprised state government officials, DLSA representatives, and members of the petitioner trust. During the inspection, multiple unauthorized structures were found on the hill. Furthermore, the team observed that non-vegetarian food was being consumed in the area, including in schools and anganwadi centers, where such food is reportedly being served to children.

A comprehensive report detailing the findings from both survey visits is currently being compiled and will be submitted to the Hon’ble High Court. The matter is still under judicial consideration, with further proceedings pending.