The Supreme Court of India on May 27, directed the Karnataka government not to remove the chief Pandit of the Anjanadri Mandir in Koppal, a site revered as the birthplace of Bhagwan Hanuman, a devotee of Bhagwan Rama. The court allowed the Pandit, Vidyadas Baba, to continue performing his religious duties and remain in the Mandir room with all basic amenities intact, thereby putting a temporary halt to the state government’s efforts to take control of the Mandir under the Muzrai department.
The case surfaced after the state government, in 2018, moved to bring the Anjanadri Mandir under the Muzrai department’s jurisdiction, invoking the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1997. This move has been vehemently contested by the Mandir’s chief Pandit, Vidyadas Baba, whose family of the Ramanandi tradition has been performing worship there continuously for over 120 years.
Petition filed by Vidyadas Baba challenges government action
Vidyadas Baba approached the Supreme Court, alleging that the Karnataka government was obstructing his right to worship and reside at the Mandir in violation of an earlier order from the Karnataka High Court. The chief Pandit’s petition claimed that the government’s takeover was illegal and contrary to the provisions of the state Act governing religious institutions.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing Vidyadas Baba, argued that the government’s sudden acquisition of the Mandir’s control in 2018 was unlawful. He stated that before this, the Mandir had been managed by the Kishkinda Trust and the Pandit’s family, with no government involvement or revenue generation for the state. The government’s unilateral move to include the Mandir in the Muzrai department disrupted the long-standing traditions and custodianship of the Pandits.
The Supreme Court issues a notice to the Karnataka government, insisting on compliance with the High Court order.
A bench comprising Justices Suryakant and Dipankar Dutta heard the petition on Tuesday and issued a notice to the Karnataka government. The court directed that the state must comply with the interim orders issued by the Karnataka High Court in 2023, which permitted Vidyadas Baba to continue worship at the Mandir.
The Supreme Court emphasized that any attempt to remove the Pandit or obstruct his religious practices would be viewed seriously. It reiterated the High Court’s instruction that while the administration of the Mandir may be under the Muzrai department, the religious worship by Vidyadas Baba and his family must not be interfered with. The court ordered the authorities to allow the chief Pandit to stay in the Mandir premises with all basic amenities provided, ensuring that his spiritual and residential needs are met.
Background: The Anjanadri Mandir and its significance
Anjanadri Hill Mandir in Koppal district holds immense religious importance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the devoted monkey god in Hindu mythology. The Mandir has been under the custodianship of the Ramanandi Pandit family for more than a century, who have passed down the tradition of worship through generations.
The Mandir’s management until 2018 was with the Kishkinda Trust and the Pandit family, operating independently without any state intervention or financial contribution to the government. However, in 2018, the Koppal District Magistrate issued an order to bring the Mandir under the purview of the Muzrai department as per the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1997. This order effectively transferred administrative control to the government.
High Court’s balanced approach: Worship allowed, administration under state
The Karnataka High Court, while examining the dispute, had ruled that Vidyadas Baba must be allowed to continue offering worship and stay in the Mandir, respecting the age-old religious rights and customs. However, the court also upheld the government’s administrative control through the Muzrai department.
This decision created a delicate balance between religious freedom and state oversight. Still, the state government’s actions in attempting to dislodge the Pandits triggered the latest legal battle, bringing the matter before the Supreme Court.
Significance of the Supreme Court’s order
The Supreme Court’s intervention reinforces the protection of religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution while respecting the state’s role in Mandir administration. The order ensures that the religious sentiments associated with the Anjanadri Mandir and the rights of the Pandit family are preserved, even as the government maintains its administrative authority.
By allowing Vidyadas Baba to stay and continue worship without interference, the Supreme Court sends a clear message against any arbitrary actions that might disrupt religious traditions and the dignity of Mandir Pandits.
The writ petition filed by Vidyadas Baba is still pending in the Karnataka High Court. The Supreme Court’s order serves as an interim directive, mandating compliance with the High Court’s earlier orders and cautioning the state government against any violations.
This case is likely to continue in the legal arena as the government and the Pandit family seek a final resolution that respects both administrative regulations and religious practices.
For now, the ruling provides relief to the Pandit. It reassures devotees that worship at the historic Anjanadri Mandir will proceed uninterrupted, preserving the spiritual sanctity of a site deeply cherished in the Hindu faith.
