SLP only on Worship rights, say Himalayan Brahmo Samaj devotees as SC upholds HC ruling
Shimla, Dec 16,
Followers of the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj on Tuesday issued a clarification stating that their petition before the Supreme Court was limited strictly to seeking protection of their right to worship and perform religious rituals at the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj temple, and did not involve any claim over ownership, control, or management of the property.
The clarification came after the Supreme Court dismissed their Special Leave Petition (SLP) and upheld an earlier order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, directing the parties to approach the District Civil Court for adjudication. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/supreme-court-clears-way-for-civil-trial-in-brahmo-samaj-property-dispute-criminal-cases-to-come-up-before-hp-high-court/
According to the devotees, the SLP was filed against the High Court’s refusal to entertain their plea, with the sole objective of securing permission for devotees to offer prayers at the temple. However, a Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma declined to interfere, holding that the appropriate forum for adjudicating such disputes remains the civil court, in line with the High Court’s earlier ruling.
The apex court found no legal ground to invoke its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution and dismissed the petition, thereby maintaining the existing legal position. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/legal-victory-for-himalayan-brahmo-samaj-as-sc-reinstates-injunction/
In a statement, the devotees said the Supreme Court did not examine or decide the merits of the dispute but merely declined interference at this stage. They added that the order effectively reaffirmed the High Court’s view that questions relating to worship rights and associated property issues must be decided by the trial civil court.
The followers further alleged that “misleading and false narratives” were being circulated by individuals associated with the Ramakrishna Mission regarding the nature and outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings. They asserted that the petition was confined only to the right to worship, which they maintain is a fundamental right, and no broader relief was sought. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/fir-in-himalayan-brahmo-samaj-fraud-case/
The devotees also claimed that previous court orders had restrained certain individuals linked with the Ramakrishna Mission from interfering with the property of the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj, and reiterated their intention to pursue remedies before the competent civil court as directed.
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