SC takes note of 'lucrative' practice of appointing advocates as receivers in temples in Mathura

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has come across an unusual practice of appointment of lawyers as receivers in temples across scared Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Barasana, making it the most difficult conundrum for the courts and very lucrative court proceedings for the advocates in Uttar Pradesh.

Taking a serious view of the matter, a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma directed the Principal District Judge at Mathura to submit a report on or before December 19, 2024 with a list of temples in which the litigations are pending and where the receivers have been appointed.

"It may be noted that the courts, which are considered to be the temples of justice, cannot be permitted to be used or misused for the benefit of a group of people, who would have vested interest in prolonging the litigations. Nobody should be permitted to abuse or misuse the process of law under the guise of prolonged litigations in the Court," the bench said.

In an order on Monday, the court also asked the district judge to provide information as to since when such litigations are pending and the status of such proceedings; the names and status of the persons particularly of the advocates appointed by the courts as receivers and the remuneration, if any, being paid to the receivers appointed in such proceedings.

On a petition filed by Ishwar Chanda Sharma, the bench issued notice to respondents and fixed the matter for hearing on December 19.

The matter rose out of a challenge to an order of August 27, 2024, passed by the Allahabad High Court in contempt application.

The high court noted, "Glaring state of affairs prevailing in the State of Uttar Pradesh, particularly, in the District-Mathura with regard to the administration of the trusts in temples, which are supposed to be very important and sacred places for Hindus."

The high court said, out of 197 temples, there are civil litigations pending of these temples situated at Vrindavan, Govardhan, Baldeo, Gokul, Barsana, Maath, etc.

"The litigation ranges from the year 1923 till the year 2024. In these famous temples of Vrindavan, Govardhan and Barasana, practising advocates of Mathura Court have been appointed receivers. The interest of receiver lies in keeping the litigation pending. No effort is made to conclude the civil proceedings, as the entire control of temple administration vest in the hands of receiver. Most of the litigation is in respect of management of temples and appointment of receivers," the high court had said.

The high court also said though a practising lawyer cannot devote sufficient time for the administration and management of a temple, especially of Vrindavan and Goverdhan, which needs skill in the temple management along with full devotion and dedication, it has become a symbol of status in the city of Mathura.