'Many Pujaris Wasting Properties' : Supreme Court On Priests' Plea Against State Control Of Temples

The Supreme Court today(July 20) issued notice in a writ petition filed by 237 hereditary pujaris and owners of private temples contending that their temples, built on private land, are being auctioned by the government.

A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Alok Aradhe heard the matter and issued notice to the Union of India, and authorities in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan . As per the petitioners, who are hereditary pujaris and owners of private temples situated in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, their temples were established by ancestors and have always remained private temples. However, executive circulars have been issued where Collectors were appointed as managers. 

At the outset, Justice Kumar questioned if the names of District Collectors were entered by virtue of the 1974 circular, what were the petitioners doing for 60 years.

The petitioners' advocate submitted that while the names of the collectors were entered way back, the authorities are now trying to auction the said land. To this, Justice Kumar said: "You know what these pujaris are doing? They are meandering away the properties. That is why. There are umpteen number of cases which come before us. Infact, the land vests with the deity."

Reluctant to entertain the petition, Justice Kumar said that the only limited relief would be a civil suit. He orally commented that when he had visited Mathura 22 years ago, the temple was in "shambles" before the government intervened to manage its development. "I visited Mathura about 22 years back... and it was in such a shambles. I think two months back I had gone, I was shocked. It's so beautiful, good and well neatly maintained [now]." 

The petitioners have prayed that the Court constitute an independent authority or tribunal to determine whether the temples in question are private or public. Additionally, they have asked that the impugned executive circulars and notifications (particularly the circular dated 12.04.1974) and revenue entries showing the Collector as manager of the petitioners' private temples be quashed.

They have prayed that the petitioners' names as owners and hereditary pujaris along with the deity in the revenue records be restored. An interim order has also been sought restraining the respondents from taking any coercive actions such as from auctioning, demolishing or interfering with the temple properties.

Case Details:  PURANDAS Vs UNION OF INDIA| W.P.(C) No. 828/2026 Diary No. 33767 / 2026