In a decisive move, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has mandated the local authorities in South Kashmir to assume control over the management of two temples in Anantnag. This directive comes in light of an ongoing legal battle involving conflicting claims over the temples’ stewardship.
The division bench, comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice MA Chowdhary, has instructed the District Magistrate of Anantnag to take immediate control of Shri Raghu Nath Mandir and Nagbal Gautam Nag Temple, along with their associated properties. The Court emphasized that these assets should be managed by a committee of responsible officers to ensure proper oversight and administration.
The dispute traces back to a 2013 petition filed by Mahanat Ganesh Dass, who asserted his role as manager of the temples since 2010, appointed by Mahant Madhav Das Ji. This claim was contested by Mahant Subash Shah, who holds the position of sole trustee for another religious trust in Srinagar. Amidst these rival assertions, the Court noted that the temples and their properties are vested in the Deity, not in either party involved in the litigation.
To maintain peace and order, the High Court has deemed it necessary for the District Magistrate to oversee the management until the civil court resolves the dispute. Both parties have been advised to present their claims in the appropriate civil court.
The legal proceedings saw representation from multiple senior advocates, highlighting the case’s complexity and significance within the local community.
This intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring that religious sites are managed with due diligence and respect, particularly amidst contentious claims.
