AP High Court Permits Trust Managing Temple Located Over Disputed Land To Conduct Navratri Festivities

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted permission to a trust which manages Sri Aadi Varahi Shakti Temple (petitioner) located in Tiruchanur near Tirupati, to conduct the Aashada Gupta Varaahi Navaratrulu–nine day Navratri festival–from June 26 to July 5.In an order passed on June 16 the petitioner, along with one Y Gangi Reddy (Respondent 7)- with whom the petitioner was involved in a land dispute, were barred by the Tahsildar, Tirupati (Respondent 5) from entering the land on which the Trust was situated and where the festival was intended to be conducted.Against this backdrop, Justice Harinath N observed,“The impugned proceedings dated 16.06.2025 shall stand suspended till 06.07.2025. The 6th (SHO) respondent shall extend necessary bundobust to the petitioner/Sri Aadi Varahi Shakti Temple Trust for performing the proposed “Aashada Gupta Varaahi Navaratrulu” from 26.06.2025 to 05.07.2025. The petitioner also shall cooperate with the 6th respondent and ensure that the no law and order problem is created on account of the permission granted.”Background:The Court was dealing with a writ petition filed by the petitioner Trust challenging the proceedings of Respondent 5 under Section 164(1) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, through which the petitioner and Respondent 7 were barred entry and occupation into the land on which the petitioner Trust intended to conduct Aashada Gupta Varaahi Navaratrulu.For reference, Section 164 enacts the procedure to be followed where a dispute concerning land or water is likely to cause breach of peace. Sub-section (1) of the section empowers the Executive Magistrate to issue a written order requiring the disputing parties to appear and submit statements regarding actual possession.The land in question on which the petitioner Trust was situated in Tiruchanur Village measured Ac. 0.50 cents in Sy.No.158. Respondent 7 claimed ownership over a larger portion of land measuring Ac. 4.64 cents, asserting that it was purchased under an unregistered agreement of sale dated 08.09.2014.The petitioner insisted on the modification of the impugned proceedings to the extent of permitting them to perform the festival from 26.06.2025 to 05.07.2025.Subsequently, the Single Judge suspended the impugned proceedings till 06.07.2025, and directed the Station House Officer (Respondent 6) to extend the necessary arrangements to the petitioner Trust for performing the Aashada Gupta Varaahi Navaratrulu, and in turn, asked the petitioner Trust to ensure no law and order problem is created in lieu of the permission granted. However, while disposing of the petition, the Court added,“This order would not be implied as conferring title over the property as the same seems to be under dispute with the 7th respondent. It is left open for the parties to redress their right, title and claim over the disputed property before the appropriate Court.”Case Details:Case Number: WRIT PETITION NO: 15594/2025Case Title: Sri Aadi Varahi Shakti Temple Trust and Others v. The State Of Ap and OthersClick Here To Read/Download Order

AP High Court Permits Trust Managing Temple Located Over Disputed Land To Conduct Navratri Festivities

Saahas Arora

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