We've filed a PIL before Kerala High Court seeking reliefs from the state government for their failure to uphold the rights of temples & devotees under articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. We were also joined by @kbsvbharat in this endeavour. #ActionUpdateThread #YearOfTemples
The PIL has been filed to bring to the attention of the courts the following three specific lapses by the state government of Kerala and their lack of accountability in managing Hindu temples.
1. Non-payment & non-revision of annuities by the State Govt to Devaswom Boards for temple lands acquired by the State Govt under the Land Reforms Act, 1963,
2. Failure of the government to maintain records of temple lands acquired and annuities paid.
3. The government's failure to disclose information available with it regarding the preceding issues.
Other than the violation of the articles 25 and 26 of the constitution, the non-payment of annuities has also impaired the right of Devaswom boards to take action against the encroachment of Temple properties, thus leaving these vital institutions severely crippled.
The PIL was taken up yesterday by the Devaswom Bench of the Kerala HC. The Hon’ble High Court has directed the state govt to submit details of (a) temple lands acquired, (b) assessment of annuities and (c) their payments within a period of three weeks.
We will keep our followers posted on further developments in the Petition. *End of update*
