Khushi Doshi
Published on: March 21, 2022 at 13:59 IST
The Supreme Court recently issued a stern warning in a Special Leave Petition filed by the Hindu Dharma Parishad seeking the appointment of an Aragavalar (Trustee) Committee led by a retired Judge in all Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu.
The notice was issued by a Bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and JK Maheswari on an appeal against a Madras High Court judgement.
The Petitioner had complained to the Madras High Court that Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu were poorly maintained, mishandled, and demolished.
A Retired Judge, a Social Activist, a Devotee, a Scheduled Caste person, and a Woman were appointed as Members of an Aragavalar Committee (Trustee Committee) to manage Hindu temples.
Following the Advocate General’s recommendation, the Madras High Court dismissed the Petitioner’s claims.
The field is governed under Section 47(1)(c) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, according to R.Shanmugasundaram.
According to Section 47(1)(c) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, every board of trustees established under clause (a) or clause (b) of the Act must have at least three and no more than five members, one of whom must be a member of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and the other a woman.
“As already there is a statutory provision, as has been demanded by the petitioner, there is nothing for adjudication in this Writ Petition and for issuing suitable directions,” the Madras High Court had said while rejecting the Plea.
The Petitioner-organisation then moved the Supreme Court seeking the following reliefs:
(A) To appoint a Aragavalar Committee (Trustee Committee) headed by retired judge in all Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu.
(B) To that Aragavalar Committee (Trustee Committee) an advocate, a social activist, a devotee, a scheduled caste person, a woman should be appointed.
Also read:
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act
What is the process for filing a Special Leave Petition? (Civil and Criminal)