Introduction:

The Allahabad High Court recently addressed a petition filed by the Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir, Vrindavan, and eight other temples regarding the withholding of their annuity by the Uttar Pradesh government for the past four years. The petitioner sought the release of their annuity, which had been determined under the U.P. Zamindari Abolition & Land Reforms Act, 1950. The court, expressing dismay at the situation, directed the Commissioner/Secretary, Board of Revenue, Uttar Pradesh, to appear before it and provide explanations for the delay in releasing the funds.

Arguments:

The petitioner, represented by counsel Devansh Misra, presented documents indicating that the annuity for nine temples had been withheld due to the lack of permission from the Board of Revenue. The District Magistrate, Mathura, and Senior Treasury Officer, Mathura, were named as respondents in the case. The petitioner argued that the funds should have been automatically transferred from the government to the temples without the need for court intervention. The respondents cited paucity of funds as the reason for withholding the annuity.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal expressed disappointment at the need for temples to approach the court to receive their dues from the state government. The court emphasized the importance of prompt and automatic transfer of funds to the temples without bureaucratic delays. Noting the lack of serious efforts to secure budget sanction from the government, the court directed the Commissioner/Secretary, Board of Revenue, Uttar Pradesh, to personally appear before it to explain the situation further.