The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the approval process for the proposed Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor in .
The PIL, filed by devotees of the Kamakhya Temple, raises concerns about the potential impact of the project on the historical and geographical integrity of the site which is proposed to be constructed by the state government's public works department under the Centre's 'PM-DevINE' and 'PRASHAD'.
The PIL seeks to halt the construction until requisite approvals and clearances from the Department of Archaeology under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 are obtained.
Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam granted a two-week period for the state government to file its response.
Senior government advocate D Nath, along with assisting advocate general D Saikia, accepted the notice on behalf of the state government.
The court has scheduled the next hearing of the petition for April 22.
The PIL was initiated by devotee Gitika Bhattacharya and 12 others, who advocate for transparency regarding the proposed corridor.
Furthermore, the petitioners sought clarification ensuring that the construction of the proposed corridor would not inflict any harm, demolition, obstruction, or destruction upon the age-old structure of the revered temple, the 'Dasa Mahavidyas' represented by natural water springs, the natural cave deemed as the cosmic womb and sanctum sanctorum, and the sacred Nilachal Hill.
They stressed the necessity for construction and renovation activities to refrain from encroaching upon protected, prohibited, and regulated areas.
The petitioners implore the court to intervene and prevent any further progress on the corridor until necessary approvals are secured under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (amended in 2010), safeguarding historically significant monuments over 2,000 years old.
The Kamakhya Temple, situated 7 km from Guwahati atop the Nilachal hills, stands as one of the largest Shakti shrines in India.
Serving as a pivotal pilgrimage site for both tantric worshippers and Hindus, it holds profound significance. Notably, it serves as a harmonious convergence point between the beliefs and practices of Aryan and non-Aryan communities.
According to devotees, the Nilachal hill is where the yoni (womb) of Sati descended, later manifesting as the deity Kamakhya.
This yoni symbolizes the nurturing space where life gestates for nine months before entering the world, believed to be the very essence behind the creation of existence itself.
The petitioners, self-proclaimed devotees of 'Maa Kamakhya', the 'Dasa Mahavidyas', and Nilachal Hill, assert their regular visits for prayers.
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