Jurists call for complete autonomy for temples

A section of eminent jurists, lawyers and religious leaders on Thursday demanded complete autonomy to Hindu religious institutions and denominations in administration and management of their temples and property.

Speaking at a symposium organised by Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha (HDAS) here, they charged the government with exercising “excessive control” over the temples and their property under various laws in the country, denying the constitutional rights of the Hindu religious institutions and the community.

Seeking amendments to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, Supreme Court Advocate Pinky Anand said provisions in the law for “take-over” of temple by government and approval of funding of religious rituals were all invalid and untenable.
“Though, there were several court judgments against the government, these are not implemented,” she added.

The HDAS has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court (WP no 476/ 2012), questioning the constitutional validity of such laws. “I do not believe these matters will be solved in any court. We must agitate, spread awareness and bring pressure on legislators to bring amendments in law. There is no need to wait till the next government sympathetic to us come, Justice (retd) V S Kokje, former governor of Himachal Pradesh, said while addressing the symposium. 

“Temples should have complete autonomy. Instead of keeping temples under control of a minister who belongs to a political party, there should be an independent Dharmic Parishad for management of temples in states and districts.