New Delhi, Dec 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday appointed Justice K Ramakrishnan, a retired judge of the Kerala High Court, as an administrator to oversee fresh elections for the management of the Oachira Parabrahma Temple in Kerala and its associated institutions.
The decision was taken to ensure free and fair elections under judicial oversight.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice R Mahadevan, emphasized the historical and unique nature of the temple and the need to preserve its sanctity and properties with utmost care.
In its order, the Court highlighted that the temple spans over 21.25 acres and manages significant public institutions, including the Parabrahma Superspeciality Hospital, a nursing college, and a nursing school.
The case relates to long-standing disputes over the governance of the temple, which does not have a traditional idol or sanctum. Governed by a three-tier committee under its bylaws, the administration faced challenges after a 2006 suit sought reforms.
The Kerala High Court had previously dissolved the elected Executive Committee, appointing an unelected body instead, prompting appeals to the apex court.
In its judgment authored by Justice Mahadevan, the Court observed, "It is imperative to restore, protect, and preserve temples and their properties with utmost care. Conducting elections under an independent administrator is just and necessary for the smooth administration of the temple and its allied institutions."
The Court said that Justice Ramakrishnan has been tasked with conducting elections for the temple administration within four months. His responsibilities include finalizing the voters' list, managing the election process in accordance with the temple's bylaws, and submitting a detailed report to the top court.
To assist him, the administrator may appoint a retired district judge and a legal professional, with honoraria of Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 per month, respectively
Justice Ramakrishnan himself will receive an honorarium of Rs two lakh per month, along with reimbursement of expenses, all to be covered by the temple's funds.
The Court directed the previous administrators and Advocate Commissioner, appointed by the Kerala High Court, to hand over charge and accounts to Justice Ramakrishnan immediately.
The new administrator will oversee the temple's affairs until the elections are completed and control is handed to the newly elected body.
Additionally, the trial court handling the final decree proceedings for framing a management scheme has been instructed to expedite the process.
All parties involved have been asked to cooperate with the administrator to ensure timely completion of the elections.
Senior advocates Colin Gonsalves and Mugdha, along with Advocate Deepak Kumar Singh and Advocate-on-Record Parmeshwar Prasad Goyal represented the petitioners in this matter.
UNI SNG SS