Protects from greedy priests: Maharashtra government backs Pandharpur Temples Act

The Maharashtra government has responded to a plea filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in the Bombay High Court, opposing the state's control over the Pandharpur temples.

The plea said that the Pandharpur Temples Act (PTA) of 1973 adversely affected the religious rights of the devotees.

The Pandharpur Temples Act abolished all hereditary rights and privileges of priests in the temples of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini in Pandharpur.

The government's reply said that the issues raised in Swamy's plea had already been addressed and that the act protected the temple from the "rapacity" or greed of priests.

'ACT DOES NOT INFRINGE ON RELIGIOUS RIGHTS'

It further clarified that the PTA does not infringe upon the protected religious rights of the temples, which are open to people of different faiths.

The government explained that the PTA was enacted in response to numerous complaints received in the 1960s against the priestly classes for mismanagement, malpractice, and harassment of worshippers.

A commission of enquiry was instituted, leading to the enactment of the PTA to ensure better administration and governance of the temples.

The state said that the PTA was introduced in the public interest to regulate economic, financial, political, and other secular activities associated with religious practice.

It did not interfere with the religious rights of citizens but aimed to safeguard the performance of religious rites and observance of religious practices, the Maharashtra governmet said.

The government also highlighted the unique position of the Pandharpur Temples in the state, stating that they were of national importance and open to all people abiding by different faiths and philosophies.