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The case related to the temple?
Bhaktan Sundararajan, a former IPS officer, has approached the high court alleging that the royal family is smuggling treasure from the Padmanabha Swamy temple. The petition demanded that the treasury in the vaults be verified and that the administration of the temple be handed over to the state government.
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| Front view of Sree Pathmanabha Swamy Temple, Trivandrum |
What was the case in the High Court?
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Princess Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bai. |
When Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last Maharaja of Travancore, left the country, Sundararajan filed a petition alleging that it was illegal for the state government to hand over the administration of the temple to the Maharaja's brother, Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Verma, and that gold was being stolen from the temple.
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His highness uthradom thirunalmarthanda varma |
Sundararajan' s demands were that the temple be established on the Guruvayur model and the Central Archaeological Department should be directed to make the temple a protected monument.
Role of the state government?
Sundararajan alleged that the state government's refusal to take over the temple was illegal. The High Court then sought the opinion of the government on the acquisition of the temple.
What was the position of Kerala government?
The then ruling LDF government told the court that the temple administration should not interfere in the temple administration as it is currently functioning well.
What was the court's observation ?
The court criticized the state government's stance as neither legal nor fair. Article 26 of the Constitution amends the Privilege and other benefits to the princely states. The Travancore Religious Institutions Act stipulates that with the departure of the last king, Chithira Thirunal, the authority of the temple will be vested in the government. The court observed that under Article 366 of the Constitution, Chithirathirunal was entitled to the title of King after the death of the Maharaja.
Other observations of the High Court?
The government has an obligation to inform the public of the amount of money received from the public when it is received at religious institutions, including temples. This money should not be used for personal gain. Allowing this money to be used for personal gain is tantamount to allowing business in the name of God.
The royal family's argument?
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a private family temple. Neither the government nor the public can intervene here.
The Supreme Court Observation
The court ruled that the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple was not a private temple. Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who continued to rule the temple with the permission of the government after the death of the last Maharaja, took a picture of the temple property and treasures, much to the opposition of the devotees. The newspaper also advertised that the property of the temple belonged to the royal family.
What was the High Court verdict?
On January 31, 2011, the High Court ruled that the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple should be taken over by the state government within three months after forming a statutory trust or governing body. The High Court has ordered a strict order to be taken within 3 months. After the last king Chithira Thirunal, the heirs did not get the ownership of the temple. The court said that the right is vested in the government. Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma directed not to open the pantry or remove the contents of the temple till the state government forms a trust and takes over the temple. But what is needed for eternal worship and rituals can be taken. The court also said that Uthradam Thirunal and his heirs can take part in the rituals like temple arat and Padmanabha servant.
A committee or trust can be formed on the model of Guruvayur Devaswom. A committee of honest persons appointed by the government should open the grave and prepare a list of valuables. It must be in the presence of the royal family or representatives. These should be exhibited in a museum on the temple premises. Security should be handed over to the police or the assistance of the police should be ensured as valuables are kept.
What happened after the High Court verdict?
Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Verma on behalf of the former Travancore royal family has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court judgment dated 27-4-2011. The Supreme Court then stayed the Kerala High Court judgment. And issues some suggestions.
What were the directions of the Supreme Court?
Count the treasures in the vaults. Provide information to the court. Establish more police for temple security.
What happened next in the Supreme Court?
There was a dispute over the opening of the B vault and the Supreme Court directed that the B vault should not be opened. The 5-member committee was formed to replace the previous committee of probation. A three-member oversight committee was also formed on top of this committee. Renowned lawyer Gopal Subramaniam has been appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case. Following the death of Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Thirunal Rama Varma joins the party. Amicus Curiae reported that the important and wealthy temple property was not properly maintained by the royal family. Based on the amicus curiae report, the Supreme Court formed a five-member governing body headed by a district judge. Tantri, Chief Nambi, A committee consisting of two members recommended by the District Judge (this committee still administers the temple). Former CAG Vinod Rai has been appointed by the court to audit temple properties. It is worth millions of crores in audit. Vinod Rai's report also mentions serious irregularities during the reign of the royal family.
Has the state government ever taken over the administration of the temple?
Had not been taken over. The committee was governed by a court-ordered body. While the case was pending in the Supreme Court, the state government had said that a special committee comprising the royal family should handle the day-to-day administration of the Bordeaux Padmanabha Swamy Temple.
What is the Supreme Court's ruling ?
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple will remain a public temple and that the royal family has a right to it. The Supreme Court has directed that the temple be handed over to a new governing body comprising a representative of the royal family and a representative of the state government. The apex court also directed that the present governing body, headed by a district judge, should continue to govern the temple for the time being.
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