The Allahabad High Court has ordered that a 9th–10th century Jain idol, over which both Digambar and Shwetambar sects are claiming rights, be moved to the Central Museum in Prayagraj for safe keeping and public display.

A bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi said the idol holds historical importance and the dispute around it is sensitive. The Court directed the District Magistrate of Etah to safely transport the idol and hand it over to the museum authorities by April 11, 2026.

To settle the issue, the Court also asked the museum to form a team of experts along with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This team will study the idol’s origin, features, and which sect it may belong to. It has to submit its report within three months.

The case started after two groups — Digambar Jain Sabha and Sri Jain Shwetambar Mahasabha — approached the Court, each claiming the idol. The Court noted that the idol was earlier kept in police custody in Etah because of the dispute.

Earlier reports by ASI experts gave mixed views. One suggested the idol may belong to the Shwetambar sect, while another said it is not possible to clearly identify its sect based on current features.

Considering this confusion, the Court decided to place the idol in a neutral and safe location and get it examined by experts. The matter will be heard again on April 13.