The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday declined to intervene in a public interest litigation (PIL) that challenged the construction of a Ram temple at Akiveedu in West Godavari district. The court observed that the issue was already pending before a single-judge bench and that there was no need for parallel proceedings. Notices had already been issued in the earlier writ petition.
Background of the Case
One U Jayanti, a resident of Pedapeta village where the disputed temple construction is proposed, approached the high court contending that the land where the temple is being built is government land. Represented by advocate Jada Sravan Kumar, the petitioner argued that the Supreme Court has categorically directed that no government land should be used for religious constructions.
On behalf of the temple committee, senior counsel Y V Ravi Prasad countered that revenue records from the 1930s clearly show the land as temple land. He objected to the filing of a PIL when a writ petition was already pending before a single-judge bench.
Allegations of Parallel Proceedings
Ravi Prasad further stated that the petitioner is a close relative of those who filed the earlier petition and is attempting to initiate parallel proceedings on the same issue. He submitted that all necessary permissions from competent authorities have been obtained for the reconstruction of an already existing temple.
In response, Sravan Kumar raised objections, claiming that in the name of temple reconstruction, the Gonthenamma temple, dedicated to a village goddess, is being demolished.
Court's Decision
After considering arguments from both sides, the bench headed by Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Ninala Jayasurya disposed of the petition. The court observed that there was no need to initiate parallel proceedings on the same issue that is already pending before a single-judge bench. The petitioner was granted liberty to implead in the pending petition and raise all grounds mentioned in the PIL if required.
