'Need To Preserve Temples With Utmost Care': SC Assigns Retired Judge to Oversee Oachira Temple Management Elections
The Supreme Court of India has appointed Justice K. Ramakrishnan, a retired Kerala High Court judge, as the administrator to oversee the administration and conduct management elections of the historic Oachira Parabrahma Temple and its affiliated institutions. This decision aims to ensure that the election process is carried out in a "free and fair manner."
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and R. Mahadevan emphasized the temple's unique and ancient significance, noting its expansive 21.25-acre premises and associated institutions, including a hospital, a nursing college, and a nursing school serving the public. The bench underscored the need to safeguard and preserve the temple and its assets with utmost care.
Justice Ramakrishnan has been tasked with initiating the election process, including finalizing and publishing the voters' list, and completing the exercise in accordance with the temple's bye-laws within four months. Additionally, the administrator may appoint a retired district judge and a legal professional to assist in expediting the process. The retired judicial officer and advocate will receive monthly honorariums of ₹75,000 and ₹50,000, respectively, while Justice Ramakrishnan himself will be compensated with ₹2 lakh per month, along with expense reimbursements, from temple funds.
The Supreme Court’s decision follows appeals challenging two Kerala High Court orders concerning the temple's management. The bench highlighted that the framing of a scheme for the temple’s administration is currently pending as part of a suit before a district court, which is at the stage of final decree proceedings. The bench deemed it essential to appoint a new administrator to ensure smooth and effective administration, a proposal agreed upon by all parties involved.
The newly appointed administrator is authorized to approach the trial court for clarifications or directions regarding the election and temple management. Meanwhile, the current administrative head, previously appointed by the Kerala High Court, has been directed to hand over all accounts and responsibilities to Justice Ramakrishnan immediately. The administrator will oversee the temple and its affiliated institutions until the elections are completed and the newly elected body assumes charge. The Supreme Court has also instructed the trial court to expedite the final decree proceedings related to the scheme for the temple’s administration. The matter will be reviewed in four months to monitor compliance.
Notably, the Oachira Parabrahma Temple is distinct for its lack of a consecrated idol, deity, or sanctum sanctorum. The temple's management is governed by its bye-laws, and a suit for administrative reforms was initially filed in 2006 by devotees at a district court in Kollam, eventually escalating to the High Court and now the Supreme Court.
Cause Title: Oachira Parabrahma Temple & Anr. v. G. Vijayanathakurup & Ors.
Citation: 2024 INSC 922
Date: December-03-2024
Bench: Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, Justice R. Mahadevan
[Read/Download order]
