High Court Queries UP Board on Withheld Annuities for Vrindavan Temples

In a significant development from Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court has issued a directive for the commissioner or secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Revenue to appear in court on March 20. This order comes in light of the withheld annuity payments to nine temples in Vrindavan, including the prominent Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir, for the past four years. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal expressed concern over the delay and emphasized the need for a streamlined process for the transfer of funds to temple accounts with the advent of modern technology.

The legal action was initiated by the Thakur Rangji Maharaj Virajman Mandir, which sought the release of its annuity as per the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950. The temple highlighted that an amount of Rs 9,12,507 designated for nine temples had been stalled due to lack of approval from the Board of Revenue. A letter from the district magistrate of Mathura to the special secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, underscored the apparent disregard from officials in Lucknow towards releasing the funds.

Justice Agarwal noted with disappointment that temples and trusts are compelled to seek judicial intervention to obtain their rightful dues from the state treasury. He pointed out that such transactions should be routine and not require temples to repeatedly petition for their release. The court had previously requested a personal affidavit from the commissioner or secretary of the Board of Revenue, detailing why permission for fund disbursement had not been granted. The board attributed the delay to a lack of funds, a reason that did not sit well with Justice Agarwal who argued that financial support should seamlessly reach religious institutions without necessitating legal action.

The court's directive underscores a broader issue of administrative hurdles faced by religious and charitable organizations in accessing funds. It also highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring that state mechanisms function efficiently and transparently, especially when it comes to financial entitlements under existing laws. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, ensuring that religious institutions do not have to endure prolonged waits for their financial entitlements.