Allahabad High Court criticises U.P. government for taking over ‘Sugriv Kila’ temple land for Ram temple development without paying dues
The conduct of the respondents-Authorities cannot be termed to be fair, proper or reasonable because of the simple reason that apparently the authorities have fooled the petitioner, said the Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court recently rebuked the Uttar Pradesh government for its handling of land associated with the 'Sugriv Kila' temple in Ayodhya, stating that the authorities took possession of a 1,512-square-metre plot for Ram Janmabhoomi Temple development without compensating the temple owners. The court described the actions as "well orchestrated" and ordered the state to pay ₹1.21 crore in unpaid land dues, including 8% annual interest.
The bench, comprising Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary and Shekhar B. Saraf, made the ruling on August 11 during a hearing of a petition filed by the temple, Shri. Thakur Ram Janki Sugrivji Virajman Mandir. The temple claimed that the Uttar Pradesh authorities had convinced the temple to sell the land for a promised ₹1.38 crore payment within 15 days, but failed to make the payment in December 2023.
The court further alleged that the authorities later claimed the land was government-owned, despite having executed the sale deed and taken possession. The High Court noted that if the ownership dispute was genuine, the authorities should have reverted the property to the temple instead of retaining possession. The court further criticized the authorities for appearing to deceive the temple owners in order to avoid payment of the sale consideration.
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