PIL Against State's Inaction On 'Vandalisation' Of Ambedkar's Statue: MP High Court Directs Police To Probe Until Culprits Are Booked

While hearing a PIL questioning inaction of authorities against people accused of breaking Dr. BR Ambedkar statue, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the concerned Investigating Officer and Superintendent of Police to investigate the matter until culprits are booked.In doing so, the Court while disposing of the plea, has also asked monthly reports to be filed before the concerned Magistrate.Taking note of an affidavit filed by the police, a division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain in its order said: "Immediate steps were taken to verify the claim made by said person and it was found to be unsubstantiated. Further steps are being taken to find out the real culprit who committed the offence in question and assures this Court that the Superintendent of Police, Seoni is fully cognizant of the seriousness of the matter that has hurt sentiments of public. Every effort is being made to ensure that the investigation is thorough, impartial and leads to identification and prosecution of culprits. The steps taken by the police have also been mentioned in the affidavit. Since the FIR has already been lodged, we hereby direct the SHO/IO concerned and the Superintendent of Police concerned to continue the investigation till the culprits are booked. A monthly report shall be filed before the concerned Magistrate. In view of the above, no further order is required to be passed in the present case. Hence, this petition is disposed of on the above terms". The court was hearing a PIL petition against the illegal and arbitrary act of the respondent authority for not taking appropriate action against the culprits who created nuisance in the society by vandalising the statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar.The plea stated that a FIR was registered against the unknown person but the culprit has not been arrested till date and even proper enquiry has not been conducted by the Police. As per the allegations of the villagers, the concerned police officer has been trying to save the culprit, therefore, no proper inquiry has been initiated. Thereafter, the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was replaced overnight but police has not conducted the enquiry on the point who replaced the said statue and the said statue was purchased by whom and from where.In its April 30 order Court had asked the State to answer why no action has been taken against "anti-social elements" who broke the statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in the State's Seoni district in February. The Court also asked the Superintendent of Police, Seoni and the Station House Officer of Police Station, Dhuma in District Seoni to file an affidavit indicating as to why action has not been taken.Pursuant to the aforesaid order, on May 7, the SHO/IO and SP filed their affidavits. The affidavit stated that an FIR has been registered at Police Station Dhuma District Seoni against unknown persons for the commission of offence punishable under Sections 298 (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class), 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class) and 324(2) (Mischief) of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. However, since there was no eye-witness and there is no availability of CCTV Cameras, an individual who is a resident of nearby village came forward as a chance witness. He alleged that he overheard a conversation between some persons and they purportedly admitted their involvement in destruction of the statue. Steps were taken to verify the claim and it was found to be untrue.Take note of the affidavit the court disposed of the PIL. Case Title: Jitendra Ahirwar Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 14657 Of 2025Counsel for Petitioner: Adv. D.K. UpadhyayCounsel for Respondents/State: Deputy Advocate General Abhijeet AwasthiClick Here To Read/Download Order

PIL Against State's Inaction On 'Vandalisation' Of Ambedkar's Statue: MP High Court Directs Police To Probe Until Culprits Are Booked

Anukriti Mishra

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