Supreme Court Allows Head Priest To Continue Temple Duties; Warns State Against Defiance Of Karnataka HC Order
“Any defiance or non-compliance will be viewed seriously,” the Bench cautioned;
The Supreme Court on Tuesday came to the aid of a head priest from Karnataka’s Koppal district, permitting him to continue performing religious duties at a disputed temple while issuing a stern warning to authorities against non-compliance with a prior High Court order.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Dipankar Datta heard the plea filed by the priest, represented by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, challenging the alleged illegal takeover of the temple by state authorities in 2018.
120-Year Worship Legacy Disrupted, Claims Priest
Advocate Jain, appearing for the petitioner who belongs to the Ramanandi Sampradaya, informed the Court that the temple in question had been under the spiritual administration of his sect for over 120 years.
“I am the head priest from the Ramanandi Sampradaya. My Lords, for the past 120 years, my Sampradaya has been performing worship at this temple. But suddenly in 2018, the temple was taken over in a completely illegal manner, in violation of the provisions of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act,” he submitted.
Court Refers to Contempt Plea Before High Court
Justice Surya Kant observed that the Bench was already aware of the averments raised in the contempt petition previously filed by the petitioner before the Karnataka High Court.
The contempt plea had alleged that the authorities had failed to comply with an interim relief order passed by the High Court on February 14, 2023.
Taking note of this, the Court issued notice to the concerned State authorities and directed that it be made returnable on a future date (to be notified).
Priest Allowed to Continue Duties, Stay at Temple Premises
In its interim order, the Court directed that the petitioner be allowed to continue performing his duties as the temple priest.
Additionally, the Court ordered that he be permitted to reside in a single room within the temple premises, with all basic amenities restored, as had previously been provided.
Importantly, the Court made it clear that any disobedience of this direction would be treated with gravity. “Any defiance or non-compliance will be viewed seriously,” the Bench cautioned.
Liberty Granted to Serve Standing Counsels
Advocate Jain also sought permission to serve copies of the petition on the standing counsel representing the state authorities.
The Court granted the liberty to serve the standing counsels, facilitating quicker communication of the Court's directions.
Case Title: Vidyadas Babaji v. Rashmi Mahesh and Ors. [SLP(C) No. 14917/2025]