HC sets aside govt order dissolving temple panels

 The High Court on Thursday set aside the order of the State government dated August 26, 2013, dissolving managing committees  of temples under the Muzrai department across the State, appointed by previous BJP government.

The petitioners — B Chandrashekara Shetty, managing committee member of Durgaparameshwari Devasthanam, Arasammakanu, in Kundapur taluk of Udupi District and eight others, had moved the High Court challenging the order dissolving the committees formed in 2012.

They contended that the previous government on November 29, 2012, had constituted a managing committee in accordance with the Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowment Act and that it cannot be disbanded unless there are allegations against any members or the committee. 

Even so, the government must conduct an inquiry and pass an order.

“But there was neither any allegation against any person nor was there an inquiry,” they submitted.

Justice Abdul Nazeer, who heard the matter, quashed the order dated August 26, 2013.