SC seeks reply of Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam on plea alleging observance of ‘irregular’ rituals

A bench headed by Chief Justice N. V. Ramana observed that the procedure of conducting rituals is the exclusive domain of the Devasthanam and cannot be a matter of adjudication unless it impacts secular or civil rights of others.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the ‘Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam’ to respond to a plea of a devotee of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy alleging “wrongful and irregular procedure” in performing ‘puja’ there.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N. V. Ramana was hearing an appeal of a devotee against the order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court refusing to entertain the PIL by observing that the “procedure of conducting rituals is the exclusive domain of the Devasthanam and cannot be a matter of adjudication unless it impacts secular or civil rights of others.” The top court initially expressed reluctance in entertaining the plea by observing, “Can we interfere into it (rituals) as to when and how ‘puja’ has to be conducted...this is the Constitutional court and not a ‘kuchehri’ (lower court) where you can say anything”.

The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, later sought a response from the counsel of the temple management about the decision on the representation of rituals made by devotee Srivari Daadaa, the petitioner.