Free Pandharpur Vitthal Rukmini temple from Maharashtra govt.’s control: Subramanian Swamy

Dr. Swamy filed a petition in February that states, ‘By taking control over the Pandharpur temples the government is ousting the rights of Hindus to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, and to manage Hindu religious endowments and their own affairs in matters of religion.’

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on April 28 told the Bombay High Court that he is arguing in public interest to free the Vitthal Rukmini temple of Pandharpur in Maharashtra from the State government’s control.

The six-term member of parliament, Dr. Swamy filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition in February this year that states, “By taking control over the Pandharpur temples the government is ousting the rights of Hindus to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, and to manage Hindu religious endowments and their own affairs in matters of religion. It is also stated that even though the Pandharpur Temples Act was passed in 1973, the administration was vested with the previous priest and only after 2014, the government had taken over the administration of the temple.”

Also read: Subramanian Swamy moves Bombay HC to free temple in Maharashtra from govt.’s control

Dr. Swamy appeared in person before a Division Bench of acting Chief Justice S.V. Gangapurwala and Justice Marne. He contended that under the Pandharpur Temples Act, the board would have a perpetual succession and have powers of control of the Vitthal Rukmini temple.

The Bench asked him why is the Act being assailed after such a long time?

To which, Dr. Swamy replied, “I am here for public interest. When the people came to me, I thought I should take it up, because no one has addressed this issue so far. I am a bhakt of Lord Krishna myself.”

The court asked him and Advocate General Birendra Saraf to submit written arguments and posted the matter for July 5.