Sanatan Prabhat > Post Type > News > National News > Temple funds belong to the Deity, not the Govt : HC slams Himachal Govt

Temple funds belong to the Deity, not the Govt : HC slams Himachal Govt

  • The High Court reprimands Himachal State Government over temple funds being spent on Government schemes

  • The HC orders that temple funds are not to be used for roads, bridges or private industries

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) – ‘Donations given by devotees should be used only for religious and social works. The donation amount belongs to the Deity, not the Government. These funds will not be used for roads, bridges or private industries,’ the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ruled. The Court has published a detailed list of 31 areas in which these funds can be used.

Temple funds will primarily be used for Vedas and Yoga education

1. The Court ruled that temple funds will be primarily used for the study and propagation of Vedas and Yoga education and the creation of necessary facilities. It will also be used for the maintenance of temples, the salaries of priests and the eradication of social evils.

2. The Court has specifically ordered the initiation of drives to promote inter-caste marriages to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination.

Temples should declare their monthly income and expenditure to public

The Court noted that temples have been centres of education and social welfare. It will be mandatory for every temple to publicly display its monthly income and expenditure details and audit reports on a notice board or website so that the faith of devotees is maintained.

If temple funds are misused, the entire amount will be recovered from the concerned : The Court warns

The High Court gave a clear warning that misappropriation of temple funds is a criminal act and an insult to religious freedom. If any trust has misused the funds, the entire amount will be recovered from the concerned.

Where were the funds being misused ?

According to the information received, the temple donation funds were being used for non-religious activities like construction of roads and bridges, Government welfare schemes and construction of public buildings. Apart from this, these funds were also being used for personal gain, investment in private industries and buying expensive gifts for the dignitaries visiting the temple. The Court has ordered an immediate ban on all these expenses.

 

Editorial Perspective

The state of temples in the country has come to this point due to the government taking over control of temples. The decision of the Himachal Pradesh High Court should be implemented for temples across the country and Hindu religious organizations, Saints etc. should launch a massive public movement for this.

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