Thread by @barandbench

CJI NV Ramana led bench of #SupremeCourt to hear a plea challenging the dismissal of an Andhra Pradesh High Court order which had rejected the plea of a Devotee to look into irregularities of "Pooja and Archana" within the sanctorum

CJI to Srivari Dadaa: Don't give us speeches. this is not a platform for us to hear you speeches. Address us properly

Party in person: I want instant relief that the Abhishekham process is followed as per traditions

Justice Hima Kohli: is his representation taken into account by respondents?

SC: What was the decision? It's your duty to clarify it. this does not mean you have a free pass

Respondent: each and every grievance of petitioner is taken into account

SC: But it's all internal how does he know it

Respondent: it's part of the counter affidavit.

CJI: something is wrong you have to give a detailed reply saying rituals are as per traditions

CJI: Or else you will force us to order. (Now to petitioner) 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.

CJI: Don't make this into a publicity interest litigation.

SC: these issues cannot be decided in a writ petition.

Dadaa: it's a public temple

CJI: how will courts interfere in this and how to conduct rituals?

CJI: The relief sought by the petitioner is in the nature of interfering in day to day affairs of temple. This cannot be looked into by a constitutional court. Any deviation from tradition is a question of fact which trial court can look into by appreciating the evidence.

CJI: 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,

CJI: those are only areas where we can ask Devasthan 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.

CJI: The administration is directed to give a proper answer to the petitioner and if there is still a grievance then an appropriate forum may be approached. Answer to be given within 8 weeks..with above observations we dispose off the plea.