Sivagiri Mutt Welcomes High Court Verdict Disqualifying SNDP Yogam Leadership
The Sivagiri Mutt in Thiruvananthapuram has expressed strong support for the recent Kerala High Court verdict that disqualified Vellappally Natesan from his position as general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam. The court's decision, which also removed vice-president Thushar Vellappally and other board members, was based on findings that the organization failed to file annual returns for the past nine years, violating the Companies Act.
Relief for Followers and Concerns About Social Regression
Swami Satchidananda, the head of Sivagiri Mutt, stated that the court's ruling has brought significant relief to the followers of Sree Narayana Guru. He emphasized that the verdict upholds legal accountability and transparency within community organizations. However, the seer also voiced deep concern about what he described as a regression in social gains achieved under the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru in recent times.
Criticism of Political Representation
In a pointed critique, Swami Satchidananda accused political parties of inadequate representation for backward communities. He specifically alleged that the Congress party has not been allotting winnable constituencies to candidates from backward sections in assembly elections, a practice he claims was different during the tenures of former chief ministers K Karunakaran and A K Antony. According to him, constituencies with little chance of victory are now being offered to these communities.
Furthermore, the seer criticized the current LDF ministry in Kerala, alleging that it has around 10 ministers belonging to a single community while lacking adequate representation from backward sections. This, he argued, undermines the principles of equitable political participation.
Legal Basis for Disqualification
The high court's verdict was issued by a single bench while hearing a petition seeking the disqualification of SNDP Yogam directors for failing to submit annual financial statements since 2014. The court directed the state government to appoint temporary directors to manage the organization's administration until a proper resolution is reached.
Key legal aspects of the case include:
- The Companies Act stipulates that company directors must file annual returns, with disqualification possible if they fail to do so for three consecutive years.
- The SNDP Yogam office-bearers argued that a delay in filing the 2017 return was condoned by the government after a penalty was paid.
- Petitioners contended that this waiver applied only to the company and not to the individuals responsible for the violation.
- Accepting this argument, the court disqualified Natesan, Thushar, Yogam president M N Soman, devaswom secretary Arayakkandi Santhosh, and approximately 170 other members.
Appeal and Future Implications
Members of the current governing body have indicated that they will soon file an appeal against the verdict. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions within the organization and raises broader questions about governance and compliance in community-based institutions registered under corporate laws.
The case underscores the importance of regulatory adherence and has sparked discussions about political representation and social justice in Kerala, reflecting the enduring influence of Sree Narayana Guru's teachings on contemporary issues.
