The Madhya Pradesh High Court has firmly denied allegations that Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait removed a Hanuman temple located within the compound of his official residence. 

Registrar General Dharmindra Singh issued a press note categorically refuting the claims, describing them as "entirely false, misleading, and baseless." 

The allegations originated from a letter written by lawyer Ravindra Nath Tripathi to the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the Union Law Minister.

In the letter, Tripathi alleged that Chief Justice Kait demolished a temple that had long been part of the compound, including during the tenure of a Muslim Chief Justice. Tripathi claimed the temple’s removal disrespected Sanatana Dharma and violated statutory procedures requiring government permission for such actions.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association also weighed in, writing to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and requesting an inquiry.

According to the association, the temple was historic, with several former Chief Justices, including Justices SA Bobde, AM Khanwilkar, and Hemant Gupta, reportedly offering prayers there before their elevation to the Supreme Court. Employees at the Chief Justice’s residence were also said to have conducted pujas at the temple.

In its press release, however, the High Court administration dismissed these allegations, clarifying that no temple ever existed at the Chief Justice’s residence. The Public Works Department (PWD) corroborated this assertion, confirming that no such structure was present on the premises.

The Registrar General condemned the circulating allegations as fabricated and aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the judiciary’s reputation. The statement emphasized that such unverified and defamatory reports constitute direct interference in the administration of justice and may amount to contempt of court. 

It further cautioned that false narratives targeting the judiciary undermine the rule of law and threaten the independence of the judiciary, urging media outlets and the public to exercise responsibility and refrain from spreading baseless information.