State Responsible To Set Up Trauma Centre, Art Institution For Pilgrims Welfare; Nathdwara Temple Board Can Only Help: Rajasthan High Court

Rajashtan High Court modified its order dated October 3, 2017, to the extent of shifting the responsibility of developing a Trauma Centre and National Level Institution to promote Indian Art, at Nathdwara, Rajasthan, from the Nathdwara Temple Board to State Government/functionaries, clarifying that the Board shall provide all assistance for the purpose.

The matter related to a writ petition filed by certain residents of Surat and Ahmedabad, in 2004, seeking adequate facilities for pilgrims in Nathdwara Temple Town and Nathdwara Temple.

While hearing the petition, the division bench of the Court had given certain directions on October 3, 2017, including directions, nos. 8 and 10 requiring the Nathdwara Temple Board to develop a trauma Centre, as well as a National Level Institution for promoting Indian art & culture at Nathdwara.

The Board then filed a review petition, seeking modification of directions 8 and 10. It was argued by the petitioners that the Board was already giving assistance to a great extent and was willing to contribute to its best ability in setting up the Trauma Centre and the Institution. However, they could not be saddled with the responsibility of developing these on their own.

It was submitted that the directions should be modified to the extent of making the Sate Government/functionaries liable for setting up these centers, while the Board will contribute to the best possible extent.

After hearing the submissions, the division bench of Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur and Justice Anuroop Singhi accepted the contention put forth by the petitioners and opined that these two centers could not be developed by the Board on their own and the Board could only help the State in setting these up.

“In the considered opinion of this Court, these two establishments are required to be developed by the State Government/State functionaries and since the Nathdwara Temple Board is having a major role to play, therefore, it will also be the bounden duty of the Nathdwara Temple Board to provide all the assistance including financial assistance for establishment of those two centres.”

Accordingly, the earlier directions of the Court were modified to this extent, and the petition was disposed of.

Title: Nathdwara Temple Board & Anr. v Dhirendra Manaharbhai Tharanariwala & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Raj) 341

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