Allahabad High Court Directs 9th-Century Jain Idol to Central Museum Amid Sectarian Dispute

The Allahabad High Court has ordered that a 9th-10th century Jain idol be moved to the Central Museum, Prayagraj, following a custody dispute between the Digambar and Shwetambar sects.

The Bench directed the District Magistrate, Etah, to ensure the safe transfer of the idol by April 11, 2026. 

The Court further ordered the museum to form an expert team, including members of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to study the idol’s iconography and sectarian relevance.

This report is due within three months, as initial assessments regarding the idol's specific sectarian origins remained inconclusive.

[Digambar Jain Sabha & Anr. v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors.]