Religious institutions not above law: Kerala HC

Kochi, Jan 25 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today observed that religious institutions were not above the law.

The observation came from Justice R Basanth while dismissing a writ petition filed by the director of Muringoor Divine Retreat Centre aginst investigation conducted by the special investigation team in the centre on September 30 and October one.

The investigation was conducted by a special team headed by IG Vincent Paul as per the order of the court. The court directed for the investigation on a suo motu proceedings on the basis of a letter received by the Chief Justice disclosing certain irregularities which happened in the retreat centre.

The court considered the letter as writ petition.

After the investigation conducted as per the direction of the court, the director of Muringoor Centre approached the court by filing the writ petition alleging the inspection team comprising four doctors assisted by the police officials visited the retreat centre and inspected the premises and illegally perused the documents and medicines in their custody.

It was alleged the procedure prescribed for such search and seizure had not been followed.

The judge, while dismissing these contentions, said ''I am unable to find any specific act of impropriety or illegality or any act without an authority committed by the investigation officer and his team.'' The court further observed that nothing had been brought to notice which would persuade the court to invoke the powers of Article 226 of the Constitution of India as claimed by the writ petitioner.

The court also said the investigation officer did his duty efficiently.

The court further said no one can resist any attempt of investigation or inquiry into the crimes or irregularities committed by them on the plea that institution was a religious one.

That the petitioner is a religious institution cannot afford any protection against the due process of law.

The court further said myopic public activity with an eye on the ballot box may collaborate to whip up the cry of religion in danger.

''The danger of religion is only averted when there is proper enquiry or investigation and truth is brought about,'' the court opined.

UNI