Jharkhand High Court Summons Tourism Secretary Over Ranjappa Temple Development Issues

Ranchi, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Jharkhand High Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of the development and restoration of the historic Maa Chhinnamastika Temple in Ranjappa, located in Ramgarh district. During a hearing on September 29, the court was frustrated by the absence of the Tourism Secretary, who failed to appear despite previous directives. Consequently, the court has ordered both the Tourism Secretary and the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner to be present at the next hearing on October 5.

During the proceedings, the state government indicated plans to utilize funds from the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) for the temple’s restoration. In response, the court instructed both the central and state governments to present a comprehensive plan related to the DMFT funds by the next hearing date. The absence of the Tourism Secretary was attributed to his participation in a program organized by the NITI Aayog in Kolkata, prompting a request for an extension.

Previously, the court had mandated the Secretary’s personal appearance on September 29. Concerns were raised regarding the state’s shift in funding approach for the temple’s development. In earlier hearings, it was revealed that state resources would be allocated for the project, and a consultant had been appointed to prepare a detailed project report (DPR).

Subsequently, the possibility of seeking financial assistance from the central government’s ‘PRASAD’ scheme emerged, raising questions from the court about why this information was not disclosed earlier if it was part of the plan. This case is linked to a contempt petition filed by Sanjeev Kumar Singh, which seeks compliance with prior judicial directives concerning the development, beautification, basic facilities, and security arrangements of the Ranjappa Temple complex.

In an April hearing, the court ordered the removal of encroachments in the temple area and the provision of rehabilitation for affected vendors. It also addressed the safety of devotees and demanded responses from the state government and CCL regarding measures to enhance facilities in the temple vicinity.