Supreme Court Critiques Alarming Temple Management Conditions in Mathura
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New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the alarming conditions affecting the management of temple trusts in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Mathura. A bench led by Justice Bela M Trivedi noted that the challenges related to temple management and the appointment of receivers in legal disputes have turned into the most challenging puzzle for the judiciary, as well as highly lucrative legal battles for lawyers.
"The courts, which are regarded as the temples of justice, must not be allowed to be exploited for the advantage of a select group with vested interests in extending litigation. No one should be allowed to misuse the legal system under the pretext of drawn-out lawsuits," remarked the bench, which also included Justice S.C. Sharma.
In its ruling, the bench instructed Mathura’s Principal District Judge to prepare a report detailing the temples in Mathura currently embroiled in litigation, along with those for which receivers have been appointed by the judiciary. The report should also include information on the status of ongoing cases, the identities and statuses of involved individuals, especially the advocates acting as receivers, and any compensation being provided to these receivers.
The Principal District Judge is expected to submit this report through the Registrar (Nazir) by December 19.
The apex court was reviewing a special leave petition lodged by a committee member challenging an Allahabad High Court decision that overturned a trial court's ruling regarding the management and operation of a temple in Mathura.
The high court pointed out that receivership in the temple city of Mathura has become the new standard. Many of the renowned ancient temples are ensnared in legal conflicts, preventing the temple trust, its Shebait, and the management committee from overseeing their operations, which are instead being run by court-appointed receivers under Order XL of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
The Allahabad High Court observed that practicing advocates at Mathura Court have been appointed as receivers. The interests of these receivers lie in prolonging the litigation. There is little effort to expedite the civil proceedings, as the complete control of temple management is held by the receiver.
It further stated that a practicing attorney cannot dedicate adequate time to the administration and management of a temple, particularly those in Vrindavan and Goverdhan, which require specialized skills along with total commitment and devotion but have instead turned into a status symbol in the city of Mathura.
