Jharkhand HC Urges Government to Uphold Jain Traditions at Parasnath Hill
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Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has mandated the state to protect Parasnath Hill, a significant Jain pilgrimage site, according to their traditions. The directive comes from a PIL by the Jain group 'Jyot', highlighting concerns about encroachments and commercialization affecting the site's sanctity.
Key Takeaways
- Parasnath Hill is crucial for Jain traditions.
- Public Interest Litigation filed by Jain organization 'Jyot'.
- Joint team to assess the site's condition.
- Concerns over commercialization and encroachments.
- Government's commitment to preserving religious sentiments.
Ranchi, April 9 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has mandated the state government to implement necessary measures to protect Parasnath Hill — a revered pilgrimage location for Jains — in harmony with their religious traditions and beliefs.
This order was issued during the proceedings of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted by the Jain group 'Jyot'.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao instructed that a collaborative team, including members from the District Legal Services Authority, state government officials, and the petitioner, should visit the site and compile a report on its present state.
The court indicated that it would issue an interim order following the review of the findings.
In representing the petitioners, the advocates emphasized that Parasnath Hill is the nirvana bhoomi (liberation site) for numerous Jain Tirthankaras and possesses profound religious importance for Jain devotees both in India and abroad.
They claimed that in recent years, the site's sanctity has been jeopardized by the sale of liquor and meat, encroachments, and unauthorized developments.
Concerns were also raised about the serving of eggs in adjacent Anganwadi centres and the government's initiative to promote the area as a tourist spot, which they argued could further diminish its spiritual atmosphere.
"The government has not taken adequate action to prevent these activities that offend Jain sentiments," the petitioners expressed to the court, referencing a January 5, 2023, notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that advocated for the site's preservation aligned with Jain traditions.
Advocate General Rajeev Ranjan, representing the state, assured the court that the government is attentive to the concerns of all religious communities, including the Jains.
He informed the bench that initiatives are currently underway to halt the sale of meat and to curb encroachment in the vicinity of the sacred site.
“The government is dedicated to ensuring that religious sentiments are honored, and essential actions will persist,” he stated.
Senior advocate Darius Khambata, along with advocates Indrajit Sinha, Khushboo Kataruka, and Shubham Kataruka, represented the petitioners.
