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The Himachal Pradesh High Court last week directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the historical Mata Mrikula Devi temple, which has been declared a protected monument, within a week and to 'immediately' ensure the availability of funds for its repair, maintenance and preservation. Court ordered ASI to also commence the necessary repair works within a month thereafter and to complete the same 'expeditiously'.

The bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed the order in the suo moto case initiated in the year 2020 upon a report of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kullu, giving details of the deteriorating condition of the temple which holds immense historical significance.

Several photographs of the temple which is situated at Udaipur, District Lahaul & Spiti were produced before the court by the Amicus Curiae in the case. Taking note of the same, Court observed that the photographs apparently showed that the temple is in dilapidated condition. 

Court stated, "The photographs also show that the roof of the temple is temporarily supported by use of wooden planks and not only the roof, it has developed several cracks, but also the walls on all sides have such cracks."

Further, in pursuance of Court's earlier order, a status report had been filed by the ASI and perusing the same, Court observed that there were contradictions in it.

Court said, "The said respondent (ASI) has admitted that the temple is affected due to the problem of tilting and differential settlement and cracks are seen on the wooden beams and minor cracks are also appearing on two walls of the temple, but the said respondent would still say that there is no evidence available on the surface of the temple that these tilts/setting are still active."

Further noting that in its reports, ASI had proposed various repair works to be carried out for the year 2021-2022, Court found the report unsatisfactory and noted that the pace at which ASI and the State authorities are proceeding would surely endanger the very existence of the structure.

Therefore, in view of the urgency of the matter, Court directed the ASI to constitute a team of scientific experts and also other representatives from other Branches of ASI to conduct the inspection at the temple site within one week and submit the estimate for making necessary repair of the Temple.

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