The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a petition challenging an Andhra Pradesh High Court order which had rejected the plea of a devotee to look into irregularities in pooja and archana at the Venkateswara Swami Vaari Temple at Tirupati, reports Bar and Bench.
While doing so, the Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli stated,
“A Constitutional Court cannot look into the day to day affairs of a temple.”
Petitioner-in-person Srivari Dadaa sought that the Abhishekham process is followed as per traditions.
The Court despite dismissing the petition, asked the respondents Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams on why it had not given proper clarification to the devotee.
“What was the decision? It is your duty to clarify it. This does not mean you have a free pass.”
In response, counsel for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) said that each and every grievance of petitioner was taken into account, and that details of the same were reflected in the counter-affidavit filed before the Court.
However, the Court said,
“Something is wrong. You have to give a detailed reply saying rituals are as per traditions. Or else you will force us to order. Mr Dadaa, we have seen it; the petition has to be dismissed. We cannot interfere in day to day administration of how to conduct Pooja etc.”
The Court added that any deviation from tradition is a question of fact which the trial court can look into by appreciating the evidence before it. It went on to state,
“This Court cannot entertain this under a writ. Apart from pooja, if the administration is ignoring rules and regulations or indulging any other violation of arrangements, those are only areas where we can ask TTD to clarify the issues raised by the petitioner or any other devotee. Other than this, if we start interfering in sevas, then it will not be feasible.”
TTD was directed to give a proper response to the petitioner, who was given liberty to approach the appropriate forum if he still had grievances regarding the issue. This response was directed to be given within eight weeks.
With these observations, the Court disposed of the plea.
