Madhya Pradesh HC orders state to finish temple eviction within three months

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a recent hearing, issued a directive giving the state government a three‑month deadline to complete eviction proceedings against illegal encroachments at a historic temple. The order underscores the court's concern for preserving the temple's cultural and architectural heritage.

Petitions filed by heritage activists and local devotees highlighted that unauthorized structures and commercial activities had gradually taken over parts of the temple complex, obstructing worship and threatening the site’s integrity. The court noted that previous attempts to remove the encroachments had stalled, prompting the need for a clear timeline.

In response, the state administration indicated it would form a dedicated task force to oversee the eviction process and ensure compliance with the court's order. Officials assured that the removal would be carried out in a manner that safeguards the temple's structural stability and respects religious sentiments.

Legal experts said the ruling could set a precedent for swift action in similar heritage‑protection cases across the country, reinforcing the judiciary's role in curbing unlawful occupation of sacred sites.