Public Interest Litigation leads to formation of special committee to oversee infrastructure and safety during massive congregation in Jaisalmer district
In a significant ruling dated September 7, 2026, the Rajasthan High Court, in a public interest litigation (D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 21427 of 2026), has issued directions to the State authorities to provide essential infrastructure facilities for devotees visiting the Ramdevra Temple in Jaisalmer district. The bench comprising Justices Munnuri Laxman and Chandra Shekhar Sharma acknowledged the petitioner Mahendra Kumar Mehta’s concerns regarding the lack of adequate sanitation, medical healthcare, and law and order arrangements during the period of heavy congregation at the temple.
The petitioner highlighted that the daily influx of devotees ranges between 2 to 3 lakh people, with the congregation spreading over 1 to 2 kilometers around the temple premises. Due to the insufficient infrastructure, devotees faced serious problems including risk of contagious diseases and stampede, thus impinging on their Fundamental Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Responding to the petition, the State contended that basic facilities were already in place and efforts were underway to manage the crowd. However, the Court observed that given the scale of the congregation, the existing facilities were inadequate to safeguard public health and safety.
To address these issues, the High Court constituted a special committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner, Jodhpur. The committee’s members include the District Collector of Jaisalmer, the District Superintendent of Police, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Jaisalmer, and the chairman of the private Trust managing the temple. This committee is tasked with coordinating efforts to ensure sanitation, healthcare, and maintenance of law and order during the festival period or until the congregation subsides.
The Court directed the committee to convene immediately and take expeditious steps, with a strict timeline of one week to finalize decisions and initiate measures. The State government is mandated to provide full support for creating and sustaining the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of the devotees.
This judgment underscores the judiciary’s proactive role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, especially in matters of public health and safety during large-scale religious events. By instituting a multi-agency committee, the Court has ensured a coordinated approach to prevent any untoward incidents such as stampedes and outbreaks of diseases, thereby preserving the sanctity and safety of the Ramdevra Temple congregation.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Directions issued to State authorities to provide basic infrastructure facilities such as sanitation, healthcare, and law and order for devotees visiting Ramdevra Temple in Jaisalmer District to ensure Fundamental Right to Life.
Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India, 1950 Article 21
Mahendra Kumar Mehta v. State of Rajasthan, (Rajasthan)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2975961
