Allahabad High Court issues notice to Centre, ASI on plea claiming Taj Mahal is ‘Tejo Mahalaya’

The Allahabad High Court will hear a plea seeking a scientific survey of the Taj Mahal, with notices issued to the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India

PGurus Newsdesk

July 7, 2026

The Allahabad High Court has sought responses from the Centre and the ASI on a plea seeking a scientific survey of the Taj Mahal over the Tejo Mahalaya claim

Allahabad High Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India on a petition seeking a scientific survey of the Taj Mahal

The Allahabad High Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on a petition seeking a scientific survey of the Taj Mahal over claims that the monument was originally a Hindu temple known as “Tejo Mahalaya.”

A bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal admitted the petition for consideration and directed the Union government and the ASI to file their responses. The plea challenges orders passed by lower courts in Agra, which had refused to appoint an Advocate Commissioner to inspect, photograph and videograph the Taj Mahal premises.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Hari Shankar Jain, contend that a comprehensive scientific and physical survey of the monument is necessary to determine whether it contains architectural and religious features linked to an ancient Shiva temple. They argue that such a survey is essential for an accurate historical assessment of the site.

According to the plea, the monument was originally an ancient Hindu temple known as “Tejo Mahalaya” dedicated to Lord Shiva. The petitioners have sought permission for a court-supervised inspection, claiming it would help establish the historical nature of the structure.

The Centre and the ASI opposed similar requests before subordinate courts, which had declined to order a survey. Those decisions have now been challenged before the High Court.

The High Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the claims. It has only sought responses from the Centre and the ASI before deciding whether further proceedings, including a survey, are warranted.

The case revives the long-running legal and historical debate over the origins of the Taj Mahal, with the petitioners seeking judicial intervention for a scientific examination of the monument. The matter will now proceed after the respondents file their counter-affidavits.

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