"An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it": Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking the opening of secret rooms of Taj Mahal to put to rest the "alleged history" of monument including claims that it was a Shiva temple, Tejo Mahalaya
![[Tejo Mahalaya] Supreme Court rejects PIL to open Taj Mahal rooms, says petition a 'publicity interest litigation'](/templates/yootheme/cache/a7/tejo21oct-a7d2ffdc.jpeg)
The Supreme Court Friday dismissed a plea seeking the opening of certain rooms of the Taj Mahal to put to rest the "alleged history" of the monument including claims that it it was a Shiva temple, Tejo Mahalaya. [Dr Rajneesh Singh v. Union of India and Ors]
|
A bench of Justices MR Shah and MM Sundresh said that the plea, an appeal against an order of the Allahabad High Court, was a 'publicity interest litigation' and dismissed the petition.
"The High Court was not in error in dismissing the petition, which is more of a publicity interest litigation. Dismissed," the apex court ordered.
The petition was filed by one Dr Rajneesh Singh, who claimed to be the media in-charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Ayodhya unit.
The plea sought a direction to the government to constitute a fact-finding committee and to “look for important historical evidence” like idols and inscriptions that are believed to be hidden inside the Taj Mahal on the orders of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
The petitioner had argued before the Allahabad High Court that many Hindu groups have been claiming that the Taj Mahal is an old Shiva Temple which was known as Tejo Mahalaya, a theory that was supported by many historians as well.
These claims has led to a situation where Hindus and Muslims are fighting with each other and therefore the controversy needs to be put to rest, it was contended.
Singh stated that there are 22 rooms situated in the upper and lower portion of the four-storied building of the Taj Mahal that are permanently locked and historians like PN Oak and many Hindu worshippers believe that a Shiva temple lies in those rooms.
This is not the first time that such claims regarding the "Tejo Mahalaya" have surfaced before the courts. In response to a suit filed in Agra by six advocates claiming that the Taj Mahal is Tejo Mahalaya Temple palace, the Central government in 2017 stated that the claim is “concocted” and “self-built”.
|
References:
Support Us
Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.
While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
ICICI Bank of Satyaagrah | Razorpay Bank of Satyaagrah | PayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments |
If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:
Please share the article on other platforms
DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.
Related Articles
- "Excessively harsh": Centre opposes criminalizing marital rape, citing existing laws like Sections 354, 354A, 354B, 498A IPC, and the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, already offer serious penal consequences for violations of consent within marriage
- "गोलमाल है भाई सब…": Justice Karnan was jailed for naming 20 corrupt judges in a letter to PM, stripped of powers, silenced & declared unfit, while Justice Varma, caught with crores in cash, faced no FIR and reappointed as a judge in Allahabad High Court
- "Best advice I ever received was to give advice only when asked for it": State does not owe loyalty to any one religion and the Constitution requires that religious majority in the country shouldn’t enjoy any preferential treatment, Justice BV Nagarathna
- "Emails For Justice": The SC fast-tracks Moitra's plea after CJI's email invite; when emailing judges is the secret weapon, Moitra's urgent plea against Lok Sabha expulsion becomes a test case for judicial responsiveness in high-profile scenarios
- ‘HRCE Department is bound to protect temple properties and their belongings’: Madras HC lashes out at Tamil Nadu govt, orders to initiate proceedings to recover the encroached temple land, warns strong action
- "It is only the cynicism that is born of success that is penetrating and valid": A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petitions challenging the Central government's 2016 decision to demonetise currency notes of ₹1,000 and ₹500
- ‘आशिक़ी का वो ज़माना याद है’: Bombay HC grants bail to Mohammed Ajaan Khan, accused of raping minor, citing not a sexual predator but a young person in consensual relationship, despite her underage status, two pregnancies, and abortions
- "Blur lines between religious tradition and property law, a riveting legal drama indeed": Supreme Court rejects appeal in Salem Muslim Burial Ground Protection Committee v. State of Tamil Nadu, "Mere notification not enough to declare wakf property"
- "बाहर फेंको उठाकर": Jharkhand HC orders the removal of Bangladeshi intruders after revelations of ST girls being converted through marriage and madrasas' involvement, declaring a grave national issue that requires both state and central govt collaboration
- In a court case involving rioting, arson, and vandalism during Patidar quota agitation, Gujarat Congress’ president Hardik Patel gets a stay from Supreme Court so he can contest elections: Patel was sentenced to two years in jail
- “Keep your pity because you’re going to need all your pity for what’s coming”: Central Government declared PFI a terror outfit of radical Islam, its associates or fronts as an unlawful association and ban them with immediate effect, for a period of 5 year
- Deputy CM Manish Sisodia’s close aid Nisha Singh held guilty and sentenced to 7 years in prison for inciting violence: A bevy of eminent intellectuals called it a political vendetta to whitewash her criminal behaviour
- "Success & all good things in life, start with a genuine concern for others": Supreme Court collegium publishing RAW, IB opinions on candidates for judgeship a matter of concern, crores of pending cases, delay of justice is denial of justice: Kiren Rijiju
- "वक्र तुंड महाकाय, सूर्य कोटि समप्रभ:, निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव शुभ कार्येषु सर्वदा": Karnataka HC countered nefarious agendas of Islamo-leftist lobby and upheld decision of allowing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Hubballi Idgah maidan, गणपति बप्पा मोरया
- "No man is ever as anti-feminist as a really feminine woman": A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli noted that income tax returns do not necessarily furnish an accurate guide of the real income of parties in matrimonial disputes: Supreme Court