MRINALINI PADH versus UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

MRINALINI PADH versus UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

There is total maladministration and chaos in the management of Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, necessitating urgent reforms, including disciplinary control, inventory of valuables, hygiene, welfare of servitors, prohibition of sub-letting of seva/puja, and provision of facilities for pilgrims. The Temple Management Committee and State Government are directed to take coordinated actions to remedy these issues.

Parties
Petitioner: Mrinalini Padhi; Respondents: Union of India & Others
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
04 November 2019
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) / Final Order
Outcome
Directions issued by Supreme Court; ongoing proceedings, next listed for 8th January, 2020.
Legal Topics
Article 32 Petitions, Religious Institutions Management, Temple Administration, Public Welfare, Hygiene and Sanitation, Inventory of Temple Property, Pilgrim Accommodation
Constitutional Law Religious Trusts/temple Law Administrative Law Article 32 Petitions Religious Institutions Management Temple Administration Public Welfare Hygiene and Sanitation +2 more

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Parties

Mrinalini Padhi

Petitioner

Union of India & Others

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) / Final Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Investigation into disappearance of keys of Ratna Bhandar of Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri
  2. 2 Inventory and management of valuables at Shri Jagannath Temple
  3. 3 Appointment of expert committee for management and preservation

Ratio Decidendi

There is total maladministration and chaos in the management of Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, necessitating urgent reforms, including disciplinary control, inventory of valuables, hygiene, welfare of servitors, prohibition of sub-letting of seva/puja, and provision of facilities for pilgrims. The Temple Management Committee and State Government are directed to take coordinated actions to remedy these issues.

Court Disposition

Directions issued by Supreme Court; ongoing proceedings, next listed for 8th January, 2020.

Orders

  • Chief Administrator authorised to take appropriate steps against servitors/incumbents creating obstruction or involved in misbehavior/misconduct.
  • Temple Management Committee to invite Jagadguru Shankaracharya and stakeholders, ensure proper rituals and nitis.