Overview
- The High Court issued notices and asked the Centre and ASI to file counter-affidavits after hearing the petition challenging Agra courts' refusals to appoint an Advocate‑Commissioner to inspect and photograph the Taj Mahal, a development reported on Monday.
- Petitioners led by advocate Hari Shankar Jain represent a deity and claim the Taj Mahal is the ancient Hindu temple 'Tejo Mahalaya', seeking a declaration, access for darshan and court‑ordered photographic and video documentation.
- Lower courts denied the 2019 application for an advocate‑commissioner because the petitioners did not produce revenue records and their property descriptions did not match official files, and an April 2026 revision was held non‑maintainable.
- Media coverage diverged after the hearings, with most outlets reporting that the High Court issued notices and listed further hearings while at least one outlet reported a dismissal, highlighting inconsistent press accounts of the same court day.
- The dispute raises procedural and heritage questions about ASI custodial authority, access to locked or restricted parts of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and whether courts should resolve contested historical claims through PIL‑style orders.