'Classic Example Of Red Tapism Of Govt Officials': Allahabad High Court Rebukes UP Govt Over Unpaid Dues To Temples

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday once again rapped the State Government for withholding the annuity of Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir and eight other temples in Vrindavan for the last four years. The Court also termed it as "a classic example of red tapism of the government officials"

The observation was made by the Single Judge while dealing with a petition filed by Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir in Vrindavan seeking the release of annuity under Section 99 of UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act from the District Magistrate of Mathura and its Senior Treasury Officer.

On the previous date of hearing in the matter, the single judge had summoned the Commissioner/Secretary, Board of Revenue, Uttar Pradesh in the Court to explain as to why the annuity of the temples in Vrindavan had been withheld for the last four years.

Pursuant to the Court's order, appearing before the Court on Wednesday, the officer concerned (SVS Ranga Rao) submitted that since no demand was made by the District Magistrate, Mathura as to the annuity to be paid to nine temples of Vrindavan, therefore, the dues could not be transferred.

It was further apprised to the bench that when for the first time, a letter was sent by the District Magistrate, Mathura seeking annuity, the matter was placed before the Chief Secretary, whereby necessary sanction had been given for making payments. He further submitted that the balance amount of Rs.6,89,308/- shall be transmitted into the accounts of temples.

After interacting with the officer concerned and after hearing Additional Advocate General as well as Chief Standing Counsel J.N. Maurya, the Court noted that annuity has to be paid to the various temples, mosques, gurudwaras and trusts as given in Section 99 of the U.P.Z.A. & L.R. Act, for which, demands are raised by the concerned District Magistrate with the Government annually, and after sanction of the amount by Commissioner/Secretary, Board of Revenue, the said amount is transferred.

However, taking note of the tedious process of release of annuity, the Court opined that in the age of digital technology, the amount should be transferred to the temples without there being any need to do paperwork.

"...if the Government of the present time finds it proper, it should call for bank accounts of each and every institutions/temples/trusts to whom annuities are payable under Section 99 (of UPZALR Act), and the same is registered with the State Government," the Court remarked.

However, noting that the matter is already before the Chief Minister of the State, who shall take necessary action in the matter, the Court directed to list the matter after three weeks, on which date, the petitioner's counsel has been asked to apprise the Court as to whether annuity has been received or not.

Advocate Devansh Misra appeared for the petitioner-temple

Case title - Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir vs. State Of Up And 3 Others

Click Here To Read/Download Order