GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court is currently examining a public interest litigation (PIL) against the construction of the Kamakhya Temple Corridor.
In response, the state government submitted a report affirming that the corridor’s development “will not compromise the integrity of the revered temple structures or the Nilachal hills”.
Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia vehemently dismissed opposing claims, denouncing them as “unfounded and driven by commercial motives”.
Despite the government’s assurances, Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam granted the petitioners a two-week window to review and respond to the report.
The PIL, filed by a group of 13 individuals, seeks transparency in the corridor’s construction, highlighting the preservation of the ancient temple’s structures.
The petitioners insist on assurances that construction will only proceed after obtaining necessary approvals and clearances from the Department of Archaeology under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.
Previously, in response to the PIL, the Gauhati High Court issued a show cause notice to the Assam government, highlighting concerns raised by the petitioners.
Senior government advocate D Nath and assisting advocate general Devajit Lon Saikia had accepted the notice on behalf of the state government.
Earlier, on April 3, the Gauhati High Court had directed the government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) opposing the construction of the “Maa Kamakhya Temple Access Corridor.”
As per the proposal, the temple’s vicinity is slated for a significant expansion, growing from its current 3,000 sq ft to approximately 100,000 sq ft spread across three levels. Concurrently, the access corridor will be widened from its current 8-10 ft width to 27-30 ft.
Additionally, plans include the restoration of six major temples within the complex to their original splendour, currently hidden from public view.
The project also aims to accommodate 8,000-10,000 pilgrims, thereby alleviating congestion during major festivals like Ambubachi Mela.
