The Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association has intensified its protest against the removal of a Hanuman temple from the official residence of High Court Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait by lodging a formal complaint.

Directed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Bar Association has demanded an inquiry into the incident and called for action against those responsible.

The complaint, mentioned: “Hon'ble Justice Shri Suresh Kumar Kait, has got demolished the old temple which was in the compound of his official residence,” seeking an enquiry into the alleged destruction of the Hindu Temple. 

The Bar Association also pointed out that previous Muslim Chief Justices of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, such as Justices Rafat Alam and Rafiq Ahmed, had never raised any objections to the temple’s presence. It was further emphasized that the temple, regarded as government property, had been periodically reconstructed with public funds.

“It is pertinent to mention that it is not his personal property, and he should not have done this,” the complaint stated, expressing the lack of CJ’s authority to demolish the temple.

The Bar Association argued that the temple in question held historical significance. It noted that several former Chief Justices of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, including Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, and Justice Hemant Gupta—all of whom were later elevated to the Supreme Court—had reportedly paid their respects at the temple and participated in worship. The association also highlighted that employees at the Chief Justice’s residence had actively engaged in religious ceremonies there. 

Furthermore, the association emphasized that the temple served as a vital space for religious practices, particularly for those following Sanatan Dharma.

“The temple’s demolition without prior government approval or the issuance of a statutory order is an insult to Sanatan Dharma believers,” the Bar Association stated, urging immediate corrective measures.

The controversy intensified when it was revealed that an advocate from the High Court Bar had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the removal of temples from all police stations across Madhya Pradesh, reportedly inspired by Justice Kait's actions.

With growing concerns that Justice Kait might issue orders for the widespread removal of temples, the complaint calls for an inquiry into the demolition of the temple at the Chief Justice’s residence. It also requests Justice Kait’s recusal from hearing the PIL to avoid any potential conflict of interest, the initiation of criminal proceedings if the allegations are proven, and the consideration of transferring Justice Kait to another High Court.