A controversial statue of Manu has stood outside the Rajasthan High Court since 1989

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Rajasthan High Court serves as the state's highest judicial authority, but its history is marked by more than just legal rulings. Since 1989, a statue of the ancient lawgiver Manu has sparked decades of intense public protest and complex legal battles, highlighting the intersection of tradition, law, and social conflict.

Established on August 29, 1949, the Rajasthan High Court was created to unify the judicial systems of five separate regional courts, including those in Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Bikaner. Initially inaugurated in Jaipur by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh, the court eventually relocated to Jodhpur in 1956 following the recommendations of the Satyanarayan Rao committee. Kamalkanta Verma served as the institution's inaugural Chief Justice, overseeing a system that has since grown to a sanctioned strength of 50 judges.

The court's physical presence has evolved significantly over time. While a bench was briefly established in Jaipur in 1977, it was dissolved the following year. More recently, in 2019, the entire high court moved from the Jodhpur city center to a modern facility on the outskirts of the city, an inauguration ceremony performed by the President of India. Today, the court maintains a registered bar association in Jaipur, where advocates elect their leadership annually.

Beyond its administrative functions, the court has been the site of persistent controversy. In March 1989, the Rajasthan Judicial Officers Association, with support from the Lions Club, placed a statue of Manu on the court's lawn with official permission. This act triggered immediate and lasting backlash. The statue has since become a focal point for numerous legal challenges and public demonstrations, with some judicial orders even calling for its removal, illustrating the ongoing tension between historical symbols and contemporary legal values within the state's judicial landscape.

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