Allahabad HC Adjourns Subramanian Swamy's PIL Against UP Govt's Action Declaring Temples' Fairs As Govt 'Melas' Till Jan 17

A bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Vikas Budhwar posted the matter for hearing on January 17 after an advocate appearing for the petitioner prayed for an adjournment.

For context, Swamy's PIL plea challenges the State Government's notification on the grounds that it violates Articles 14, 25, and 31A of the Constitution of India.

It argues that through the impugned declaration, the UP Government is attempting to take over the administration, management, and control of the temples and their religious celebrations in an arbitrary, unconstitutional, and illegal manner.

The PIL plea also prays for a direction to permanently restrain the State Government from taking over or to declare the Melas and Festivals of Temples in the State of Uttar Pradesh as Government Melas.

For context, under the impugned notification/order, the fairs/melas being held at Maa Lalita Devi Shaktipeeth, Naimisharanya, district Sitapur / Maa Vindhyavasini Shaktirith, district Mirzapur / Maa Pateshwari Shaktipeeth, Devipatan Tulsipur, district Balrampur and Shakumbhari Mata Temple, district Saharanpur have been declared as state/government fairs.

These melas attract lakhs of devotees every year during Navratri. The Uttar Pradesh government has justified its decision to declare these melas as government-organized events, stating that it would help the district administration provide essential facilities for the devotees. Additionally, the government aims to elevate these melas to international standards.

Advocates Vishesh Kanodia and Satya Sabharwal drafted the petition with the assistance of Advocate Arpit Malvya.