Last week, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a directive for an investigation into the management of religious lands amid concerns over their administration. The probe aims to scrutinize the utilization and governance of properties belonging to various religious institutions in the region
Punjab and Haryana: Last week, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued directives to the Punjab and Haryana governments to establish High Powered Committees for investigating the administration of muafi (revenue-free) lands allocated to Hindu and Sikh communities for building temples and gurdwaras.
Presided over by Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Lalit Batra, the Bench mandated these committees to evaluate the existence of a structured framework for appointing Mohatmims/Shehbits (temple managers) or Granthis (custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib) at these religious sites.
The petitioner was represented by Advocate Veneet Sharma, while Deputy Advocate General Maninder Singh represented the State of Punjab, and Advocates Nanda Jindal, Tushar Sabherwal, and ML Saini represented other respondents.
Background
The Court issued directions based on a petition filed by the Mohtamim (petitioner) of Mandir Shri Satya Narayan, challenging the revenue authorities’ refusal to recognize him as the landowner. The temple’s name appeared in the cultivation column of revenue records, but upon review, the Court found that the petitioner’s predecessor-in-interest only had independent cultivating possession of the land. Additionally, there was no contest against the land being labeled ‘for common use’ by the village body.
The order stated that neither Des Raj nor the current petitioner could claim independent ownership rights over the disputed lands, as a Shehbit or Mohtmim does not automatically become the owner of land cultivated on behalf of the idol.
The Court emphasized that the post is not hereditary, and only the Collector can approve the succession of heirs. It was observed that the petitioner’s motive was to secure ownership of the temple and land, questioning his appointment as “Mohtmim“. Accordingly, the Court instructed the District Collector to ensure proper management of temple funds and adherence to Hindu texts in performing daily rituals and to appoint a Mohtmim or Shehbit for the minor deity within the temple.
The Court expressed concerns regarding potential mismanagement of incomes derived from temples, gurdwaras, or deras situated on muafi lands, warranting immediate attention.
Consequently, it mandated the Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, of each respective state government to constitute three-member high-powered committees to investigate these matters thoroughly.
By initiating these measures, the Court aims to uphold transparency and accountability in the administration of religious properties while safeguarding the interests of the respective communities.
Case Title: Mandir Shri Satya Narayan v. State of Punjab And Others
