The High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan has issued a strict directive prohibiting all commercial activities, including weddings, private functions, and restaurant operations, at the historic Vidhyadhar Ka Bag. This heritage monument, located within a protected reserved forest area in Jaipur, was allegedly being utilized for late-night gatherings that involved high-decibel music, laser shows, and fireworks. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal and Justice Sameer Jain, emphasized that such commercial usage is fundamentally incompatible with the ecological sensitivity of the forest territory and the wellbeing of protected wildlife.

The court's intervention comes as a significant response to a public interest petition filed by the Citezens Protection Society, which brought to light the unauthorized conversion of a protected heritage site into a commercial event hub. According to the petition, a tender process initiated by the state on September 14, 2022, had facilitated the establishment of a restaurant at the site, which in turn paved the way for larger, disruptive commercial events. The court noted that these activities frequently extended into late-night hours, creating a hazardous environment for the local wildlife that resides in the immediate vicinity of the reserved area.

Judicial Oversight and Precautionary Mandates

In delivering the order, the Division Bench underscored the imperative to uphold environmental standards established in landmark national precedents, specifically the principles articulated in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India . The bench maintained that any activity causing noise pollution, light disturbances, or human-induced chaos in or near a wildlife habitat must be curtailed to prevent long-term degradation of the ecosystem.

“It is noted that as the said property situated adjacent to the wildlife area, and thus, the use of fireworks, loud music and laser lights, in the late night hours cause discomfort to the protected wildlife, therefor, such activities ought to be prohibited,” the Court observed in its order dated November 2, 2026.

While the State of Rajasthan, represented by Additional Advocate General Mahi Yadav, asserted that the 2022 tender had already expired and that no current commercial operations were taking place, the High Court remained cautious. The bench determined that a proactive approach was necessary to ensure that the site remains free from such usage, regardless of the current status of administrative tenders. Consequently, the Court formalized a comprehensive, immediate ban on all commercial and private gatherings at the location.

Independent Fact-Finding and Accountability

To ensure full compliance and to gain an objective understanding of the current condition of Vidhyadhar Ka Bag, the High Court has appointed Advocate Apeksha Bapna as a Court Commissioner. Her mandate is to perform an on-site inspection of the premises, document the state of the property through photography, and file a comprehensive report for the Court’s review. The state authorities have been directed to facilitate this inspection fully and provide the necessary support to the Commissioner, with the court ordering that the State of Rajasthan bear the associated costs, amounting to ₹25,000.

The Bench has also signaled a move toward greater administrative accountability regarding the management of forest-adjacent properties. The presiding judges directed the designated Officer In-charge to remain present at the next hearing, scheduled for December 8, 2026, to provide a clear explanation regarding the issuance of tenders for activities in areas adjacent to reserved forests. The court's demand for transparency aims to address how commercial exploitation of protected zones was sanctioned in the first instance, ensuring that future administrative decisions align with the state’s duty to preserve heritage and wildlife.

Furthermore, the High Court expressed concern over procedural irregularities within its own registry. It was noted that despite previous instructions to list the matter for a final hearing, the case had been repeatedly placed under the "admission" category. The Court has directed the registry to provide a formal explanation for this discrepancy, reinforcing the urgency of the matter.

As the case progresses toward its next hearing, the immediate effect of the judicial order is the preservation of the sanctity of the monument and the surrounding forest. By prohibiting the use of laser lights, fireworks, and loud sound systems, the High Court has established a firm boundary that protects the environment from the pressures of commercial tourism and private event hosting. The upcoming submission of the Commissioner’s report will likely be instrumental in determining the future stewardship of Vidhyadhar Ka Bag, as the Court remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing any further degradation of this ecological and cultural asset.