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In a bizarre move, in pursuance of a summoning order issued by the Tehsildar Court in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh to a Shiva temple a few days ago, the Shivling of the temple was today uprooted and brought to the Tehsil office to appear before the Court.

Though the notice was issued in the name of the temple, the matter was widely reported by the local media as Lord Shankar has been asked to appear in the court instead.

A local media platform RGHNews has provided Lawbeat photographs and videos showing that the Shivling of the temple was carried on a hand trolly to the Court. However, reportedly due to the non-availability of officers in the tehsil, the hearing could not be held and the date of appearance was fixed on April 13.

The development had taken place in a petition filed by Sudha Rajwade before the Chhattisgarh High Court (Smt. Sudha Rajwade & Ors. Vs. The State of Chhattisgarh & Ors.), in which 16 people, including the Shiv temple, are alleged to have trespassed on government property.

Rajwade had alleged that there is illegal construction on the government land adjoining the proposed construction of a housing residential real estate project Banshi Enclave. 

On February 14, 2022, the high court had directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure that there is no further illegal construction permitted on the said government land. Court had also directed the authorities to inspect the spots where encroachment was alleged. 

In pursuance of the same, The Tehsildar Court had directed the concerned officials to inspect the said land who found encroachment allegations true. Thereafter, the Tehsildar Court issued summons to ten people, including the temple to appear before the Court today.

In the notice, the Tehsildar had also warned everyone that failure to appear at the hearing could result in a Rs. 10,000 fine and eviction from the premises.

Case Title: Smt. Sudha Rajwade & Ors. Vs. The State of Chhattisgarh & Ors.