Patna High Court goes hard on Bihar government over upkeep of Barabar Caves

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Expressing deep anguish over the severe administrative apathy and lack of basic amenities at the historic, Mauryan-era Barabar Caves in Jehanabad, the Patna High Court has issued a stern reprimand to the Bihar state government and local administration.

​Hearing a petition, a single bench of Justice Rajiv Roy questioned the continuous negligence of the ancient site, drawing sharp comparisons to how other states preserve their cultural heritage.

​The court highlighted the international significance of the 3rd-century BCE site in its order. The court was hearing a petition by one Rajballav Prasad, the successful bidder of the 2024-25 Barabar Shravani Mela challenging a penalty imposed on him for delayed payment of the tender amount.

​”This Court wonders whether the said great historical site of the Mauryan era (3rd Century BCE), which is unparalleled in the world, would have faced such utter neglect had it been in any other part of the world or even in South/Western India or, for that matter, the State of Madhya Pradesh, where a number of Buddhist Sites are attracting tourists and generating revenue, “the court observed on September 21, 2026. 

It further noted, “Ajanta-Ellora Caves of Maharashtra are examples on how the infrastructure development and taking care of the tourists result into generation of revenue to the government all through the year. Both the Barabar Caves (Bihar) and the Sanchi Stupa (M.P.) were built by Emperor Ashoka around 3rd Century BCE but the upkeep of the two sites are quite different.”

​The court noted that the Jehanabad district administration seems exclusively interested in collecting revenue—such as tender fees—while reinvesting virtually zero percent of those funds back into developing infrastructure for the site.

“Courts have repeatedly held that the revenue generated from the fair (Sravani Mela) should be utilised for the upliftment of the region, ensuring proper sanitation, security, and upgraded infrastructure permanently. All these elements have been lacking at the Barabar Caves, not only in the year 2024 but to date. Evidently, the district administration has learned no lessons, resulting in such a great Mauryan site remaining in a state of utter neglect today,”the court said.

​Addressing the prevailing filth and severe lack of fundamental facilities like clean drinking water and restrooms, the High Court painted a stark picture of the site’s current state.

​”So far as cleanliness is concerned, the less said the better. The area surrounding the Barabar Caves in no way reflects a great Mauryan site; rather, it gives the impression of a dirty village lacking basic amenities, with garbage strewn all around. People are forced to use open spaces for attending to nature’s call,” the court observed.

​The court also pulled up the Forest Department and pointed out the dilapidated condition of the historic inspection Bungalow (Dak Bungalow) under their jurisdiction, noting that forest officials have failed to perform their role in beautifying or preserving the natural environment around the famous caves.

​The High Court made it clear that temporary arrangements—such as seasonal water tankers, temporary toilets, or mobile health camps set up only for the one-month Sravani Mela—will no longer be accepted via affidavits.

The District Magistrate (DM) of Jehanabad has been instructed to submit a complete record of the revenue collected and the amount spent on development over the last 5 years. The court also directed the Jehanabad Superintendent of Police (SP) to inform the about the steps being taken for the safety of security of the visitors so that there is no repetition of the 2024 stampede. Seven people died in the August 12, 2024 stampede.

The court further said,​ “The administration must present a detailed blueprint within 6 weeks for permanent construction, clean drinking water supply, proper sanitation, security arrangements, and green cover. Strict penalties will be imposed on non-compliant officials.”

The court also said that a special committee headed by the District and Sessions Judge, Jehanabad, along with key administrative officers, has been constituted to conduct a physical inspection of the site and submit an independent report directly to the court.

The matter is listed for September 28 to consider the compliance report and is fixed for November 2 for further hearing. 

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