Pune: Politicians should not be appointed as directors of Ekvira Devi Temple Trust, orders Bombay High Court

On Aug 26, 2023

Pune : NpNews24 Online – Pune News | The Bombay High Court on Thursday delivered a ruling to stop political interference in the famous Ekvira Devi temple at Karla in Maval taluka. The bench of Justice Sunil Shukre and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla issued orders that the two directors of the trust should be appointed from non political and non criminal background and they should be genuine devotees of the goddess. (Pune News)

The Bombay HC appointed an administrative board as the temple trustee in 2018 till an order was received from the assistant charity commissioner after a dispute arose between two groups. Later, the additional registrar of the court was appointed as supervisor and seven directors were selected on the board of directors by the officials appointed by the assistant charity commissioner. The seven directors invite applications for the posts of two directors from interested devotees and select from the applicants.

Accordingly, after a public notice was published, more than 60 people sent applications.
However, when it came to light that there was severe political interference and use of money power to choose the two directors, an applicant from Navi Mumbai, Chetan Patil, had requested the officials to choose the directors through a secret vote method as there was tremendous pressure on the directors.

However, officials expressed helplessness citing their limited powers. Hence, Patil had filed an intervention application only in a pending petition through Ad Yuvraj Narvankar. At the hearing, the bench directed the board of directors to postpone the selection procedure which was slated to be held on August 29.

Orders issued by the HC to board of directors

The selection board conducting the interview should seek a no criminal background report from the Pune Commissioner of Police and Pune Rural Superintendent of Police in respect of all the applicants.

Pune Commissioner of Police and Pune Rural Superintendent of Police to submit reports within seven days and then interview should be held by the selection board

Applicants having criminal background and members of any local self-government body should not be considered by the selection board in the selection process

The board must take this precaution to ensure that the affairs of the temple remain completely free from political interference

To make the selection process of two directors a smooth exercise, after the request of the election inspector, Pune Rural Superintendent of Police should provide security at government expense.

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