SHRI RAM MANDIR INDORE versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERS

SHRI RAM MANDIR INDORE versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH AND OTHERS

Shri Ram Mandir, Indoukh, is a public temple; lands and properties are vested in the Deity, not the pujaris. Pujaris are not Mahant-Managers but servants appointed to perform pooja. Management and control of temple properties rightfully vests with State authorities, and appellant is estopped from claiming private rights due to facts including acceptance of lease from government and documentary evidence.

Parties
Appellant: Shri Ram Mandir Indoukh; Respondents: State of Madhya Pradesh and Others
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
27 February 2019
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal Against High Court Judgment Affirming First Appellate Court
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Nature of Hindu Temple, Title in Temple Properties, Role of Pujari Versus Mahant, Public Versus Private Temples
Trusts and Charities Property Law Nature of Hindu Temple Title in Temple Properties Role of Pujari Versus Mahant Public Versus Private Temples

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Parties

Shri Ram Mandir Indoukh

Appellant

State of Madhya Pradesh and Others

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal Against High Court Judgment Affirming First Appellate Court

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Shri Ram Mandir, Indoukh, is a public or private temple
  2. 2 Whether temple properties are vested in the Deity or in the pujari
  3. 3 Whether the State Government has the right to manage temple properties

Ratio Decidendi

Shri Ram Mandir, Indoukh, is a public temple; lands and properties are vested in the Deity, not the pujaris. Pujaris are not Mahant-Managers but servants appointed to perform pooja. Management and control of temple properties rightfully vests with State authorities, and appellant is estopped from claiming private rights due to facts including acceptance of lease from government and documentary evidence.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Judgment of High Court and First Appellate Court affirmed
  • No costs