Shri Jain Shwetamber Shri Sangh Panjikrit Sanstha, through President Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors.
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 15 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
The Supreme Court of India, in Shri Jain Shwetamber Shri Sangh Panjikrit Sanstha, through President vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors. [Civil Appeal arising out of SLP (C) No. 25759 of 2023], delivered its judgment on January 6, 2025, resolving a long-standing dispute concerning ownership, possession, and management rights over religious properties associated with the Jain community in Rajasthan.
Facts and Background
The appellant, Shri Jain Shwetamber Shri Sangh Panjikrit Sanstha (“Shri Sangh”), filed a civil suit seeking declaration and permanent injunction asserting rights over the Dadabari complex and other religious properties. The properties had complex ownership histories involving various Jain sects and government authorities. The trial court dismissed the suit, and the Rajasthan High Court upheld that dismissal. The appellant then approached the Supreme Court.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court referred the matter to mediation, appointing Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) S. Ravindra Bhat as mediator. The parties reached a compromise agreement on December 7, 2024, settling all disputes amicably.
Terms of the Settlement
Dadabari Complex: Shri Jain Shwetamber Shri Sangh and its office bearers shall have no right, title, interest, possession, or claim over the Dadabari complex. The entire movable and immovable property, including Bhandars, shall be solely owned, possessed, and managed by Shri Jain Shwetamber Khartargachh Sangh (party no. 2).
Two Temples in Ajmer: The Sambhavnath Bhagwan ka Mandir (Lakhan Kothri) and Rishabhdev Bhagwan ka Mandir (Sundar Vilas) in Ajmer city, along with all movable and immovable properties thereof, shall be solely owned and managed by Shri Jain Shwetamber Shri Sangh. The Khartargachh Sangh shall have no rights or interference in these temples’ management.
Financial Settlement: As part of the compromise, respondent no. 4 agreed to pay Rs. 8.11 crores to the appellant, with an initial payment of Rs. 11 lakhs already made.
Legal Significance
The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of amicable resolution in religious and community disputes to maintain harmony and avoid protracted litigation. The Court noted that the mediation process, supervised by a former Supreme Court judge, successfully balanced competing claims and interests.
The judgment also clarified that the parties must adhere strictly to the settlement terms, which have the force of a binding decree. The Court modified the earlier High Court judgment and decree to give effect to the compromise.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court disposed of the appeal, endorsing the mediation settlement that:
Allocates exclusive ownership and management rights over disputed religious properties between the two Jain sects.
Provides a substantial financial settlement to the appellant.
Promotes finality, peace, and cooperation within the Jain community in Rajasthan.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s proactive role in facilitating alternative dispute resolution in sensitive religious property disputes, ensuring equitable outcomes and preserving community harmony.
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