High Court Suggests Experts in Vedas and Scriptures Manage Temple Affairs, Keeps Lawyers Away

 

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has expressed concerns over appointing advocates as receivers for managing the affairs of prominent temples in Mathura. The court suggested that experts in Vedas and scriptures, rather than lawyers, should be involved in temple management to ensure adherence to religious traditions and practices.

Key Directives from the High Court:

• Expert Management Recommended: The court advised that those with profound knowledge of Vedas, scriptures, and traditional religious practices should be appointed to oversee temple management instead of appointing advocates as receivers.
• Avoiding Legal Conflicts: The High Court noted the growing trend of legal professionals becoming involved in temple administration, leading to various legal disputes. The court emphasised that those profoundly familiar with the religious and spiritual aspects should manage temples rather than turning them into a legal battleground.
• Case Background: The court’s observations came during a hearing related to the appointment of a receiver for several well-known temples in Mathura. The issue has raised concerns about adequately managing and preserving religious customs at these sacred sites.
• Directive to District Authorities: The High Court has directed district authorities to ensure that temple management follows traditional guidelines and that the involvement of legal professionals is minimised. This move aims to preserve the sanctity and proper administration of temples.

Broader Concerns:

• Issues with Current Management: The court pointed out that many temples are currently managed by trusts and committees that do not adhere strictly to religious norms, leading to frequent disputes and mismanagement.
• Temple Receivership: Several famous temples in Mathura have been placed under receivership, resulting in numerous legal challenges. The court stressed that temple management should be devoid of legal complexities and instead focus on maintaining religious integrity.
• Specific Temples Under Dispute: The High Court listed several prominent temples, including Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Govardhan, Vrindavan, and others, as embroiled in legal battles due to management issues. The court suggested that involving spiritual experts could help resolve these disputes effectively.

Conclusion:

The Allahabad High Court’s directive aims to safeguard the religious and cultural essence of temple management by advocating for the involvement of experts in Vedic and scriptural knowledge. This approach seeks to maintain the sanctity of temple administration while keeping legal complications at bay, ensuring that these revered sites' spiritual and traditional values are preserved.