Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state Tourism Department secretary, Shri Mukesh Kumar (IAS: 2009: Jharkhand), to appear before it at the next hearing of a contempt case concerning the renovation and development of the Maa Chhinnamastika Temple complex at Rajrappa in Ramgarh district.
The court passed the direction on Monday after hearing the state government’s submissions. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 29.
Contempt Petition Over Earlier Development Orders
The case concerns alleged non-compliance with directions previously issued in a public interest litigation regarding basic facilities and development at the temple complex.
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Petitioner Sanjeev Kumar Singh has filed the contempt petition seeking implementation of the earlier court orders. Advocate Bharat Kumar appeared for the petitioner.
During Monday’s hearing, Additional Advocate General Jai Prakash represented the state government and informed the court that the Advocate General could not appear due to an unspecified reason.
The court sought details of the government’s instructions in light of its previous order. The Additional Advocate General told the court that he had not received instructions on the matter.
Government Considering Central Scheme for Funding
The court had earlier been informed that the state government initially proposed arranging funds from its own resources for development of the temple complex and had appointed a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The government is now considering seeking financial assistance under the Centre’s PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme for the project.
The High Court’s latest direction requires the Tourism Department secretary to remain present at the next hearing on September 29.
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