HC directs Khurda collector to dispose of trust plea against eviction within 1 month
Justice S K Panigrahi ordered that "no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioner till the disposal of the grievance petition", restraining eviction proceedings initiated by the authorities.
The dispute arose after Maa Barabhuja Temple Managing Trust, which oversees worship and welfare activities in the area, submitted a grievance petition to the commissioner-cum-secretary of the general administration (GA) department on Oct 28, 2024, seeking alienation or lease of 0.156 acres of scheduled land across five plots in use by the trust.
Despite its cultural and religious significance, eviction notices were served on the trust by the authorities on Nov 8 that year.
The Khandagiri caves, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India since 1912, are a heritage site dating back to 2nd century BC and associated with Jainism. However, over the decades, the caves have also become the site of Hindu religious practices. Cave numbers 8 and 9 are used for the worship of Barabhuja Thakurani and Mahavir (Hanuman), while Jangleswar Mahadev is worshipped in another cave.
The annual 'Magh Saptami Mela', organised every Feb by the state govt in collaboration with the trust and local organisations, draws thousands of devotees, including monks who stay in the caves. The trust, recognised by the commissioner of endowments, also manages free facilities such as toilets, kitchens and rest areas at the base of the hill.
Despite the the Board of Revenue forwarding the trust's petition to the Khurda collector on Dec 6, 2024, no action has been taken, the trust stated in its petition.
Taking note of the facts and submissions, Justice Panigrahi disposed of the petition with a directive to the collector to take appropriate action "within one month from the date of production/presentation of a certified copy of this order".
The order comes as a temporary relief to the trust and the local religious community, allowing the continuation of their longstanding activities while their claim is under official consideration.
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