The Supreme Court on Monday ordered status quo in a plea arising out of communal and caste tensions in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district linked to a controversy over the proposed construction of a Rama temple in a Dalit locality.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued notice in the special leave petition challenging an April 29, 2026, judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and directed that the status quo shall be maintained by the parties pending further consideration.
The dispute traces back to tensions in Akividu village after demands were raised by local TDP and RSS-linked groups for renovation and expansion of a Ramalayam structure situated in a Dalit colony. According to reports, a section of Dalit residents opposed proposals involving demolition or alteration of a structure associated with the local deity Gonthenamma, leading to sharp confrontations in the area.
The controversy escalated around Sri Rama Navami celebrations in March 2026 after visits by Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker and TDP leader Raghu Rama Krishna Raju to the locality. Reports indicate that clashes later broke out, FIRs were registered, and allegations of communal polarisation and caste tensions surfaced from multiple sides.
The Supreme Court has now sought responses in the matter while directing parties to maintain the status quo until further orders.
Appearances
For Petitioner- Mr. Jadda Sravan Kumar Gaddayya, Adv. (VC) Mr. Gaurav Goel, AOR Mrs. Aparna Rohatgi Jain, Adv. Mr. Ashutosh Gupta, Adv. Mr. Mahendra Vikram Singh, Adv.
