New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday heard the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea to take over the management of eight temples in Mathura currently under the receivership of advocates.
The state government requested temporary administrative control until ongoing civil suits are resolved.
Senior Advocate Navin Pahwa, representing UP government, urged the Court to permit the State Parishad to either directly manage the temples or appoint qualified local individuals to administer them.
“We request your lordships to issue directions to expedite the civil proceedings and allow a locally connected expert body to manage the temples in the interim,” Pahwa submitted.
Pahwa highlighted the state’s recent legislation aimed at protecting and preserving Mathura’s temple heritage. He emphasized the importance of having a dedicated body comprised of regional experts with no vested interests to ensure smooth temple operations until legal disputes are settled.
He further noted the substantial funds and offerings the temples receive, underscoring the need for competent receivers to manage finances and operations responsibly.
The bench, comprising Justice Bela Trivedi and Justice SC Sharma, was hearing a plea filed by Ishwar Chanda Sharma, who had been appointed by a Mathura court as a receiver for one of the temples. The Allahabad High Court later set aside his appointment, which remitted the case for fresh consideration.
In December, the Supreme Court had expressed concerns over the appointment of advocates as receivers for the temples, prompting the current hearing. The matter remains under consideration.
