Jharkhand High Court Directs Strict Enforcement to Protect Sanctity of Parasnath Hill in Landmark Judgment

Ranchi : In a decisive step to safeguard the sanctity of Parasnath Hill—revered by Jains across the globe—the Jharkhand High Court has ordered strict enforcement prohibiting tourism, mining, and non-religious activities on the sacred site. The ruling came in response to W.P. (PIL) No. 231 of 2025 filed by Jyot, a religious trust, which is being mentored by the 79th successor of

Tirthankar Shri Mahavir Swami His Holiness Spiritual Sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suri.

Also results of Darshnaben’s fasting are evident and it feels certain that her soul must be now in a more peaceful state.

The Petitioner Trust Jyot had organized a nationwide campaign ‘Save Shikharji’ in 2018, seeking to protect the sanctity of the Hill. This mass movement garnered more than 7 lakh signatures from the members of Jain community building a platform for the trust to file the current public interest litigation.

The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocates Darius Khambata and Percival Billimoria, along with advocates Indrajit Sinha, Bhavik Lalan & Vidhi Shah.

The Trust described Parasnath Hill’s unparalleled significance in Jainism, calling it equivalent to Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya for Hindus, or the Golden Temple for Sikhs. The hill, is believed to be the site where 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained moksha. Supporting its case, the Trust presented a 2018 Office Memorandum by the state government recognizing the hill as “a world-famous pious and revered pilgrimage place for Jains” and pledging to protect its sanctity. 

• All Forms of Tourism Related Activities Banned

Observing that various activities—ranging from tourism to business operations—were taking place in violation of the hill’s sanctity, the Court noted that the State had failed to provide adequate rebuttal to these claims.

Various tourism government department proposals, including a zoo safari project, drew sharp criticism from court. The bench questioned how could such plans proceed despite the 2023 Office Memorandum issued by the government. The Court held that there is substance in the petitioner’s contention that the prohibition of tourism applies to all forms of tourism, including religious tourism.

• Court Slams State’s Handling of Encouragements

Pointing to satellite images submitted by the petitioners, the Court found that multiple unauthorized constructions had sprung up across the hill. It noted that most eviction notices also were issued only after the PIL was filed in January 2025—and primarily targeted structures outside the actual hill zone.

The judgment also flagged inconsistencies in the state’s claims regarding the existence of the 22 villages on the hill. The Court observed that,

“The Respondents (State authorities) are intentionally trying to mislead the Court” 

• Bar on Mining and Political Activities 

In a firm stand, the Court further said no mining activities could be permitted. It also barred political activities, including the setting up of polling booths on the hill, currently being setup by the government.

• Non-Veg & Alcohol Restricted

Referring to government’s claim of informing the locals about alcohol and non vegetarian restrictions, the bench remarked that,

“Mere informing… may not suffice. Strict enforcement is necessary,”. 

The Court emphasized that even Anganwadis and schools on the hill, if any, must not serve eggs or non-vegetarian food.  

• Directions Issued

In its concluding observations, the Court directed the Jharkhand government and its agencies to take all necessary measures to strictly implement the prohibitions to protect the sanctity of the whole hill. It also instructed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Giridih, to undertake a field visit to the Parasnath Hill to ascertain whether schools or Anganwadis exist on the hill, whether any mining activities are ongoing, and to assess the nature of all encroachments on the Hill.

Additionally, the Court instructed the Superintendent of Police, Giridih, to enhance the deployment of Home Guards on the hill to aid in the effective enforcement of the court’s directives. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on July 21, 2025, by which date all respondents and the Legal Services Authority are expected to file status reports on actions taken.