HC pulls up Jehanabad officials over neglect of Barabar Caves

The Patna High Court has pulled up the Jehanabad district administration over the alleged neglect of the historic Barabar Caves and sought details of revenue generated from the annual Shravani Mela and its utilisation for permanent development of the site. Justice Rajiv Roy, in an order passed on September 21, observed that the administration appeared to be interested in revenue collection without adequately investing in infrastructure at the Mauryan-era site. “Certainly, the district administration is only interested in the collection of revenue with zero responsibility towards investing the money back to build infrastructure there,” the court said.

It was hearing a petition filed by Rajballav Prasad, who had secured the tender for the 2024-25 Barabar Shravani Mela for Rs 1.77 crore. The fair was halted after a stampede on August 12, 2024, in which seven people were killed and several injured. The petitioner eventually deposited the entire tender amount, with the final payment made on October 19, 2024, but was later asked to pay Rs 1.37 lakh as penalty for delayed payment.

“The petitioner deposited the entire tender amount. Instead of appreciating the same, he has now been slapped with the penalty amount,” the court said, terming the action “insensitiveness on the part of the respondents” and saying it “defies logic”. The court said the stampede “clearly shows a mismanaged affair so far as the district administration is concerned” and noted that despite collecting Rs 1.77 crore for the fair, permanent facilities at site remained inadequate.

“It has to be reiterated that the courts have repeatedly held that money so realised from a fair must be invested on the upliftment of the area to ensure proper sanitation, safety, improved infrastructure on permanent basis,” the court said, adding these facilities were lacking “not only in year 2024 but till date”. The court directed the Jehanabad District Magistrate to submit details of revenue generated from the Barabar Shravani Mela during the last five years and the amount spent on permanent development. It also sought a blueprint covering permanent toilets, year-round drinking water, benches, vending zones, cleanliness and greenery.

“The affidavit showing installation of makeshift toilets, water facility, health camps, etc., during the one month of Shravani Mela will be outrightly rejected,” the court said, insisting on a blueprint for “permanent infrastructure”.

The court also sought permanent safety measures from the Superintendent of Police “so that there is no repetition of the 2024 stampede”, besides responses from forest, building construction and health authorities on improving the site.

The Barabar Caves date to the 3rd century BCE and were commissioned during the Mauryan period. The court described them as a “great historical site” and expressed concern over their condition.

The matter will next be heard on November 2, while the court has also directed that a committee headed by the District and Additional Sessions Judge of Jehanabad visit the caves and submit a first-hand report on their condition and requirements for permanent amenities.