The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a review application against its June 2026 order rejecting a PIL seeking directions to the Union of India to place in public domain the scientific archaeological survey report, ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey, records, findings, maps, structural analysis, photographs, videography and all the related documents prepared by I.I.T Gandhinagar and Archaeological Department of India concerning the Somnath Temple Site.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D.N. Ray rejected the review application after noting that it sought to introduce fresh averments which were never part of the original writ petition. The Court reiterated that “it is settled law that re-hearing within the scope of review is impermissible” and accordingly dismissed the review application.
The Court, however, granted the petitioner four weeks’ further time to deposit the costs of ₹2 lakh imposed in its earlier judgment, failing which the amount would be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
On June 25, the High Court had dismissed a PIL filed by Dr. Vilas Tukaram Kharat. Among other directions, the petitioner had also sought preservation of all archaeological and scientific material relating to the temple and adjoining area, besides making such material accessible for academic and historical research.
While rejecting the PIL, the High Court had held that the petition was wholly misconceived and found that the petitioner had approached the Court with “incorrect, incomplete, misleading and distorted facts.” It observed that there was no proper disclosure regarding the petitioner’s occupation or credentials, nor any material to substantiate his claim of association with an NGO.
The Court further found the petitioner’s assertions regarding the Shree Somnath Trust to be without basis and concluded that the PIL had been filed with ulterior motives or to gain undue publicity. Holding that such litigation undermined the sanctity of public interest jurisdiction, the bench dismissed the petition with exemplary costs of ₹2 lakh.
Gujarat High Court refuses to review verdict dismissing PIL seeking Somnath Temple survey report; grants four weeks to deposit ₹2 lakh costs.
When courts guard public interest, even petitions must stand on truth.
