Read Time: 05 minutes

The Himachal Pradesh High Court last week granted 15 days' time to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the inspection of the historical Mata Mrikula Devi temple, a declared protected monument, and one month thereafter to complete its conservation work.

The bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed the order on the plea moved by the ASI Conservation Committee seeking an extension of one month to prepare the report and submit the estimate for the conservation of the temple.

The development took place in the suo moto case initiated in the year 2020 upon a report of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kullu, reporting the deteriorating condition of the temple which holds immense historical significance.

In pursuance Court's order on April 21, the Director (Conservation), ASI constituted a four members expert Committee on April 29 and directed them to submit their report within 7 days. The Committee was also required to submit estimate for conservation of the temple. The Committee could not complete the task within the stipulated time and sought an extension of one month before the high court. 

However, showing photographs of the temple, the Amicus Curiae in the case apprised the Court that the temple is presently in dilapidated condition and that if not immediately repaired/restored for the purpose of conservation, it may fall at any time.

He also informed that the roof of the temple is supported by wooden planks and roof as well as the supporting walls have also developed cracked.

Taking note of Amicus Curiae's submissions, Court, instead of granting a month's time, granted 15 days to the Conservation Committee to complete the inspection and to prepare the estimate and one month thereafter to complete the conservation work.

Court also clarified that if, in the meantime, any damage is caused to the temple for not timely carrying out the conservation work, the responsibility shall be entirely on the Conservation Section of the ASI.

The 11th-century temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali is widely believed to be originally constructed from a block of wood by the Pandavas during the time of Mahabharata. 

Case Title - Court on its own motion Versus State of H.P. and others