High Court Orders Assam Govt Response on Kamakhya Temple Corridor PIL

In a significant development from Guwahati, the Gauhati High Court has mandated the Assam government to submit a detailed response concerning a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the construction of the proposed Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor. The PIL emphasizes the necessity of obtaining prior approvals and clearances from the department of archaeology, as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, before proceeding with any construction activities.

The directive was issued by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam, granting the state government a two-week period to present its stance. Senior government advocate D. Nath and assisting advocate general D. Saikia represented the state government during the proceedings. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 22, marking a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding this contentious issue.

The PIL, initiated by devotee Gitika Bhattacharya alongside 12 others, seeks judicial intervention to ensure that the construction of the access corridor does not compromise the structural integrity or sanctity of the revered Maa Kamakhya Temple and its surroundings. The petitioners have requested a white paper from the respondents detailing how they plan to safeguard the temple’s ancient monuments, including all Dasa Mahavidyas represented by natural water springs, and the natural cave revered as the cosmic womb.

Furthermore, the petition underscores the importance of preserving Nilachal Hill's sacredness, urging that no construction or renovation activities disrupt this historically significant site. The petitioners argue for adherence to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (amended in 2010), highlighting their deep devotion to Maa Kamakhya, the Dasa Mahavidyas, and Nilachal Hill as regular visitors for prayers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously inaugurated the Rs 498 crore Kamakhya corridor project in February, heralding it as a transformative initiative for tourism in Northeast India. The project aims to enhance access to the Shakti Peeth Kamakhya, one of the most venerated religious sites in the region. However, this legal challenge underscores a growing concern among devotees and conservationists about balancing development with heritage preservation.

This case represents a critical moment for Assam's cultural heritage management, as it navigates between modern infrastructure development and preserving its ancient monuments. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how similar projects are approached in future, ensuring that India's rich historical legacy is protected while accommodating contemporary needs.