Jaipur: Galta Peeth and Mahant Awadheshcharya
The Rajasthan High Court has given a major decision in the case of dispute over the property of Jaipur’s famous pilgrimage site Galta Peeth. During the hearing of this case, the High Court has removed the present Mahant Awadeshacharya from the post of this bench. The state government has been ordered to appoint a new Mahant to look after the temple as the custodian of the temple’s idol and property. Along with this, the High Court has ordered to develop Galta Peeth on the lines of Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The case was heard in the court of Justice Sameer Jain of Rajasthan High Court on Monday. After hearing the side of the Mahant and the government, the High Court said that the Mahant of Galta Peeth cannot be determined on the basis of inheritance. Along with this, the court has rejected all the 7 petitions of former mahant late Ramodracharya’s wife Gayatri Devi, son Avadheshcharya and Suresh Mishra etc. In their petitions, Ramodarcharya’s wife and sons were claiming right to the throne and property of Galta Peeth on the basis of inheritance.
The Devasthan Board formed a committee
When the dispute over the Galta Peeth properties started, the Devasthan Commissioner of Rajasthan had earlier formed a committee to look after the properties. Ramodacharya’s wife and son approached the High Court challenging the decision of the Devasthan Commissioner. In his appeal filed in the court, he argued that the Public Trust Act was not in force at the time Ramodarcharya became Mahant. He was appointed by the then royal family. As this act is new, the state government has no power to make appointments and take any decision regarding this trust.
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Galta Peeth is no one’s property: Court
After hearing the government’s side in the matter, the court said that the state government is responsible for the maintenance of the Galta Peeth properties and idols. Commenting strongly in this matter, the court said that the place where the Galata hideout cannot be considered as someone’s property. The court has also considered running a hotel on the property of Galta Peeth as serious. The High Court while announcing its decision said that Galta Peeth should be developed on the lines of Mahakal Lok and Sri Ramjanmabhoomi. The court has assigned the responsibility to the state government for this.
Awadheshacharya declared himself Mahant
Let us tell you that after the death of Ramodarcharya, his son Avadheshcharya declared himself Mahant. Along with this, a company named Gayatri Build Estate was also formed. The company started operating hotels, guest houses, bars, pubs, casinos and restaurants on the Bench properties. In such a situation, local people raised questions about Avdheshcharya becoming a Mahant and complained to the Devasthan Board. The Devasthan Board also observed that hotels and restaurants have been opened on the pilgrimage properties, serving non-vegetarian food. Therefore, the Board formed a committee to manage the properties. Against which Mahant Awadheshcharya etc. went to the High Court.
