District Magistrate directed to mediate between factions over religious site and statue installation on Gaon Sabha land.
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has intervened in a dispute in Village Gangapur, Tehsil Nawabganj, District Bareilly, concerning the encroachment on Gaon Sabha land recorded as a religious site, or Dev Sthan. The conflict arose from the installation of a statue of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar on this land, which led to unrest between two factions of villagers.
The court was approached through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Bhagirath and others, seeking the removal of encroachment on the land in question, identified as Plot No. 51, measuring 0.0630 hectares. The land is officially recorded for religious activities, and the petitioners argued that the unauthorized installation of the statue disrupted the intended use of the land.
Justice Arun Kumar, who presided over the case, heard from both sides, represented by counsel Pradeep Saxena and Ram Naresh Maurya for the petitioners, and the state, represented by C.S.C. and Sher Bahadur Singh.
According to the court's judgment, the plot has been used for religious activities, and the sudden placement of Dr. Ambedkar's statue without legal authority escalated tensions in the village. The installation, conducted on the night of June 6-7, 2025, was followed by a law and order issue, prompting interventions from local authorities. Two conflicting first information reports (FIRs) were filed, further complicating the situation.
The court recognized the complexity of the issue, acknowledging the religious sentiments associated with the Dev Sthan and the respect for Dr. Ambedkar's legacy. Therefore, it directed the District Magistrate of Bareilly to form a committee to engage with the conflicting factions. This committee is tasked with ensuring that religious activities on the Dev Sthan remain undisturbed and finding a suitable location for the statue, either on the current plot or another Gaon Sabha plot.
The District Magistrate is required to complete this mediation process and report back to the court within six weeks. The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 11, 2026.
This judgment underscores the court's attempt to balance religious sensibilities with cultural respect, aiming to maintain peace and order in the community.
Bottom Line:
Encroachment on Gaon Sabha land recorded as Dev Sthan - Religious activities and installation of statue of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar causing unrest between factions of villagers - District Magistrate directed to constitute a committee to find amicable solution ensuring religious activities on Dev Sthan remain undisturbed and appropriate place provided for installation of the statue.
Statutory provision(s):
- Section 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (B.N.S.)
- Section 2/3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984
Bhagirath v. State of U.P., (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2873277
