Mrinalini Padh vs Union of India & Others

Art.32 – Petition under – Seeking direction for investigation/inquiry into the disappearance of keys to the ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of ‘Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri’ – Also sought direction for appointment of expert committee to prepare report for preservation and management of property and valuables of the Temple – Prayer also made to provide express darshan to the devotees visiting the temple – Supreme Court by order dated 8.6.2018 directed District Judge to submit a report before the Court – By order dated 5.7.2008 report of District Judge was accepted and more directions were issued by the Court – Further Amicus Curie submitted his reports pursuant to the orders passed by the Court from time to time – During the pendency of the petition, State Government decided to make land acquisitions so as to provide various facilities to the pilgrims – Suggestions were also made by ‘Jagadguru Shankaracharya’ – Held: There is total mal-administration and chaos – No disciplinary control available – The Chief Administrator is authorised for the time being, to take appropriate steps against such servitors/incumbents who create obstruction in seva/puja/niti and are involved in misbehaviour and misconduct against the employees of the Temple Administration or with devotees – The Temple Management Committee is directed to invite shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya and other stakeholders and ensure that nitis, puja and rituals are performed as prescribed, regularly, punctually without any remiss and obstruction – There is necessity for qualified servitors in traditional nitis and rituals – Economic welfare of the survitors needs to be taken care of – A lot is required to be done for providing proper darshan – Safety of pilgrims also needs to be ensured – Temple Administration and Temple police are directed to ensure that – Identity cards should be issued to the survitors and the staff – There is also need for setting up of schools for children, accommodation for pilgrims, effluent treatment plant and waste management system, separate toilets for male and female, cloak room, motorcycle stand – Temple Managing Committee and Temple Administration are also directed to ensure hygiene in Rosaghar where Bhog for Diety is prepared and hygienic sale of prasad – Sub-letting of seva/puja also needs to be prohibited – Inventory is directed to be prepared as regards the immovable property of the Temple – Temple management is directed to place before Supreme Court as to what kind of inventory it has prepared with respect to valuables of the Temple – State Government is directed to depute full time Chief Administrator – Archaeological Survey of India is also directed to co-operate and to permit the activities of improvement – Progress report and the decisions taken need to be submitted in Supreme Court.

Sarika v. Administrator, Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir Committee, Ujjain, M.P. & ors., (2018) 6 SCALE 651 – referred to.