Read Time: 05 minutes

The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has approached the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) seeking retrieval of two Ganesha idols from the Qutub Minar complex and placing them in the National Museum according to a report by the Indian Express. They have sought the same on the ground that the current placement of the idols is disrespectful.

The report further states that NMA has requested that the the idols should be given a respectable place at the National Museum. It is to be noted that both NMA and ASI operate under the Union Ministry of Culture.

It is to be noted that Saket court had in February this year admitted a plea seeking restoration of Hindu and Jain temples and worship rights the Qutab Minar complex. 

The two Ganesha Idols namely the “Ulta Ganesh” and Ganesha enclosed in an iron cage are close to the ground level of the Quwwat Ul Islam mosque in the Qutub Minar complex which is considered disrespectful.

Plea before Saket Court:

On February 22, 2022  Saket Court admitted an appeal filed against an order granting status quo on Qutab Minar Complex in a suit that sought restoration of Hindu Temples at the complex.

The plea had sought worship rights at the Qutab Minar complex as well as restoration of Hindu and Jain deities temples, which were allegedly demolished by Qutubdin Aibak located in the present Qutub Complex.

Last year, a Delhi Court had dismissed a civil suit seeking worship rights at the Qutab Minar complex as well as restoration of Hindu and Jain deities temples, which were allegedly demolished.

Saket Court Civil Judge Neha Sharma, while rejecting the plea noted that there are just exceptions to Articles 25 & 26 of the Constitution and though it is an admitted fact that temples were razed to the ground and a mosque was constructed atop the ruins, no namaz/ prayers are offered onsite and that status quo must be maintained at the protected Monument.

When the matter came up before Additional District Judge Pooja Talwar the appeal filed against the order was admitted .

The court further issued notice to Union of India, the Director General, Archeological Survey of India and Superintending Archeological Delhi Circle, ASI.

The matter is likely to be taken up on May 11, 2022.