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The Supreme Court in response to a Public Interest Litigation, had directed the Odisha government and the authorities concerned to prevent exploitative practices by considering people of all faiths to make offerings in Jagannath temple besides bringing in proper management scheme. Following which the Supreme Court on Thursday extended to all religious institutions across India its directions with regard to proper management of temples and shrines and said a devotee can now approach the district judge of any area with complaint of any exploitative practice, deficiencies in the management, maintenance of hygiene, proper utilization of offerings and protection of assets at any shrine throughout India and the district judge will examine the issue and send a report to the high court concerned for necessary directions.
The bench comprising Justice A K Goel and Justice S Abdul Nazeer have noted, “The issue of difficulties faced by the visitors, exploitative practices, deficiencies in the management, maintenance of hygiene, proper utilization of offerings and protection of assets may require consideration with regard to all Shrines throughout the India, irrespective of religion practiced in such shrines. It cannot be disputed that this aspect is covered by List III Item 28 of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and there is need to look into this aspect by the Central Government, apart from State Governments.” It has also referred to Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure permitting a Court also to issue direction for making a scheme or making an arrangement for any charitable or religious institution.
Following this order, the District Judge has made certain suggestions, to which the apex court has no serious objections, with implementation subject to further consideration and orders.
By way of illustration the parties have mentioned Kamakhya Temple, Assam; Kalibari Temple at Calcutta, Pracheen Hanuman Mandir at Jamuna Bazar, Delhi, Tiruchendur Temple at Tamil Nadu and Dargah Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Ajmer.
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