MP High Court Directs State to Complete Eviction Proceedings at Jabalpur Temple within 3 Months

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Published 31 October 2026

Case: Not specified in source
Court: High Court of Madhya Pradesh
Bench: Justice G.S. Ahluwalia
Citation: Not specified in source
Statutes: Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959 — s.248
Source: LiveLaw

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a recent order, directed the State to complete eviction proceedings against encroachers at an ancient temple in Jabalpur within three months. The court emphasized the need to protect religious places from illegal occupation, citing the Collector's duty under Section 248 of the MP Land Revenue Code, 1959.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

The State authorities have a statutory duty under Section 248 of the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959, to remove encroachments from government land, including land belonging to ancient temples, within a reasonable timeframe.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates representing religious institutions or public bodies facing encroachment issues can seek expeditious orders for eviction, citing the Collector's statutory duty. Litigants should be prepared for strict timelines imposed by courts for the completion of such proceedings.

Key Legal Takeaways

1Courts can issue time-bound directions for eviction proceedings under the MP Land Revenue Code.
2Collectors have a statutory duty to remove encroachments from government land.
3Protection of ancient temples and religious places from encroachment is a judicial priority.

The Legal Issue An ancient temple in Jabalpur was facing encroachment, leading to a petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The core legal issue revolved around the State's responsibility and the timeframe for removing illegal encroachments from land belonging to religious institutions, specifically under the provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959.

Court's Reasoning Justice G.S. Ahluwalia of the Madhya Pradesh High Court observed that the Collector has a statutory duty under Section 248 of the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959, to remove encroachments from government land. The court noted that ancient temples are significant religious places and their land must be protected from illegal occupation. The court found that the State had not acted with sufficient alacrity in completing the eviction proceedings, necessitating a specific directive to ensure timely action.

What Follows The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the State authorities to complete the eviction proceedings against the encroachers at the ancient temple in Jabalpur within a period of three months from the date of the order. The Collector is now mandated to ensure compliance with this directive under Section 248 of the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959.