Madhya Pradesh High Court Dismisses PIL Against Alleged Encroachment on Religious Site for Lack of Substantiation

The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a PIL that sought removal of alleged encroachments on a religious site, finding that the petition lacked adequate proof and was motivated more by personal grievance than public interest. The petitioner claimed that illegal construction was carried out on temple premises, disturbing the sanctity of the site. However, the Court found that no official records, maps, or revenue documents substantiating the claim were produced. It stressed that PIL jurisdiction is meant for genuine public causes backed by evidence, not for settling private disputes under the garb of public interest. The Court reiterated that temples or religious places often involve sensitive disputes, requiring strong proof before judicial intervention. It noted that district authorities and municipal bodies had inspected the site, and no confirmed illegal encroachment was established. Observing misuse of PILs as a worrying trend, the Court held that the plea was frivolous and liable to dismissal with costs. It advised that the petitioner, if genuinely aggrieved, should pursue remedies under appropriate civil or property laws instead of misusing PILs.