Karnataka: Maharani Pramoda Devi challenges Sri Chamundeshwari constituency development authority act 2024 in HC

The enactment of the Sri Chamundeshwari Constituency Development Authority (CCDA)Act 2024 by the Congress government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked controversy, particularly concerning the royal family of Mysuru. The act, which shifts control of the Chamundeshwari temple and its surrounding assets to a government-appointed authority, has been challenged by Maharani Pramoda Devi Wodeyar in the High Court, who argues that the legislation severs the historic ties between the temple and the royal family. According to Wodeyar the following sections of the act  proved beyond doubts  that the powers and authority of royal family fully curtailed by government.

Key Issues Raised by Maharani Pramoda Devi Wodeyar

1. Authority Over Hill Amenities (Section 2(a)): The act grants the government complete control over the amenities of Chamundi Hill, including infrastructure and services, effectively stripping the royal family of their traditional authority over the area.
2. Formation of the Authority (Section 3): The government has the power to establish the Chamundeshwari Field Development Authority, with the Chief Minister as its chairman. The act excludes any representation from the royal family, limiting the authority to local officials, ministers, and MPs.
3. Appointment of Officials (Section 12(1)): The act allows the government to appoint the authority’s employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, further diminishing the influence of the royal family.
4. Government Control Over Decisions (Section 14(3) & 14(4)): The government retains the final say on all decisions made by the authority, leaving the royal family with no input.
5. Chief Minister’s Emergency Powers (Section 17(1)): The Chief Minister has been granted the authority to make emergency decisions, further centralizing control and sidelining the royal family.
6. Property Management (Section 20(1)(o) & 20(2)): The government and the authority are empowered to manage, lease, or sell properties associated with Chamundi Hill. This includes the ability to sell assets, with the Chief Minister overseeing these transactions.
7. Temple Funds (Section 25): All temple funds, including donations and service charges, are to be managed by the authority, removing the royal family’s role in the financial aspects of the temple they built.
8. Property Control (Section 19): The act transfers control of all fixed and movable assets of Chamundi Hill to the government, effectively annexing the ancient property of the royal family.
9. Dissolution of the Authority (Section 35(2)): The authority can only be dissolved by the Legislative Assembly, further solidifying government control.
10. Temple Rituals (Section 40): The act mandates that all temple rituals be conducted according to the rules of Hindu religious institutions, ending the traditional practices associated with the royal family.

Maharani Pramoda Devi Wodeyar contends that the act is a direct attempt to sever the longstanding connection between the royal family and the Chamundeshwari temple, which they have historically built, maintained, and worshipped at. The High Court challenge seeks to restore the family’s traditional rights and roles in the temple’s management.

The case has generated significant public interest, given the cultural and historical significance of the Chamundeshwari temple, and the outcome may have far-reaching implications for the relationship between the state government and the royal family.