Srinagar, July 11:In a significant move aimed at safeguarding temple properties across Jammu & Kashmir, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, sitting in Srinagar, issued directives to ensure the protection and proper management of temples that have faced encroachment and illegal occupation over the past three decades. The court’s decision came during a consolidated hearing on multiple related cases, addressing longstanding issues of mismanagement of temple properties.
The bench, comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice M. A. Chowdhary, heard petitions concerning allegations of temple properties being sold, encroached upon, or occupied by unauthorized persons, including influential locals and self-styled caretakers. Key cases, including OWP No. 25/2018 and associated matters, were at the forefront of the court’s deliberations.
The petitioners were represented by senior advocates Mr. Z. A. Qurashi, AltafHaqani, Jahangir IqbalGanai, and J. H. Reshi, while the state’s defense was led by Senior Advocate Mohsin-ul-ShowkatQadri, Sr. AAG, supported by other counsels.
In a significant development, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has impleaded ShriDurga Naga Trust as a party respondent in OWP No. 25/2018. The trust, through its Secretary, Dr. R. Dhar, had filed an application seeking impleadment in the matter. In multiple petitions, including OWP No. 83/2010 and WP (C) No. 07/2022, were dismissed after petitioners withdrew their claims, citing lack of personal interest. These dismissals nullified any prior interim directions issued in these cases.
Several petitioners, including ParmeshwarGiri, withdrew their petitions related to temple management, citing a lack of further interest. Contempt petitions and appeals linked to earlier court orders were dismissed or rendered irrelevant due to recent developments.
The court directed the District Magistrate of Anantnag to assume control of Shri Raghu NathMandir and NagbalGautam Nag Temple, Anantnag, along with their associated properties. Emphasizing the properties’ ownership by the Deity, the court mandated their peaceful and effective management by a committee appointed by the District Magistrate.
Both petitioners and newly impleaded respondents were granted the right to pursue their claims through civil courts, with the District Magistrate’s involvement mandated in all related civil proceedings.
Addressing cases where natural justice principles were breached, such as eviction orders in Anantnag, the court annulled previous decisions and referred the matters back to the District Magistrate for fair hearings.
The High Court scheduled the next hearing for all connected cases on July 18, 2024, aiming to maintain oversight and resolve issues surrounding the protection of temple properties.
The directives seek to restore temple properties to their rightful custodians, preventing further illegal encroachments and ensuring the structured preservation of religious sites in the valley.
