Uttarakhand High Court Orders Response in Temple Fund Misuse Case
A division bench of the Uttarakhand High Court, comprising Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Subhash Upadhyay, conducted a hearing on Monday regarding a significant public interest litigation (PIL). The PIL alleges serious misuse of funds allocated for the restoration of the revered Badrinath and Kedarnath temples between the years 2012 and 2017. In a decisive move, the court has directed the state government and the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to submit their detailed responses within a strict timeframe of three weeks.
Allegations of Financial Irregularities and Unauthorized Appointments
The PIL was filed by Amit Sharma, a resident of Rishikesh, who has raised grave concerns about the management of restoration funds. According to the petition, the allocated funds were not only misused but also diverted to temples that fall outside the jurisdiction of the BKTC. This diversion of resources potentially undermines the intended restoration efforts for Badrinath and Kedarnath, two of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites.
Furthermore, the PIL highlights additional irregularities, including several appointments made "without prior approval". The petitioner claims that "favoured persons" were engaged in violation of established rules and procedures. These allegations suggest a pattern of mismanagement and possible corruption within the temple administration.
Court Proceedings and Demands for Accountability
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner informed the court that despite earlier judicial directions, neither the state government nor the temple committee had filed any reply to the allegations. This lack of response prompted the court to take immediate action. The respondents requested additional time to prepare their defenses, which the bench granted, setting a clear deadline of three weeks for the submission of their responses.
The petitioner has explicitly sought a court-monitored probe into the entire matter to ensure transparency and accountability. This demand underscores the need for a thorough investigation to uncover any financial misconduct and restore public trust in the management of these important religious institutions.
Implications for Temple Restoration and Governance
The case has significant implications for the ongoing restoration projects at Badrinath and Kedarnath, which are crucial for preserving these historic temples. Any misuse of funds could delay or compromise these efforts, affecting both the structural integrity of the temples and the faith of millions of devotees.
The Uttarakhand High Court's intervention highlights the judiciary's role in upholding governance standards and protecting public interests. As the state government and BKTC prepare their responses, all eyes will be on the upcoming developments, which could lead to stricter oversight and reforms in temple fund management.
