High Court of KeralaDivision BenchWrit petition disposed of with directions to fu...

Sreekesh v. State of Kerala and others

Case / Petition Number:W.P.(C) No. 36883 of 2023

Case Details & Bench

Court
High Court of Kerala
Hon'ble Judges
  • Anil K. Narendran
  • G. Girish
Judgment Date
2023-11-14
Court Decision / Holding
The writ petition is disposed with directions: (1) within two weeks, the 3rd respondent shall furnish to the petitioner a copy of the Area Committee’s decision appointing respondents 10 and 11 and a copy of order No.A5/4512/2022/MDB (K.Dis) dated 19.10.2023; (2) within two weeks thereafter, the petitioner shall file a revision petition under Section 18 of the MHRE Act, challenging the appointment, with an interim stay application; (3) the 2nd respondent shall consider and decide the interim stay application within two weeks of receipt and finally dispose of the revision petition within two months; (4) the order of the 2nd respondent shall be a reasoned order; (5) till orders are passed, the interim stay order already granted shall continue in force.
Final Disposition
Writ petition disposed of with directions to furnish area-committee decision documents and to file a Section 18 revision petition with interim stay, with the 2nd respondent to issue a reasoned order within two months; interim stay continued until disposal.

Parties to the Case

Appellants / Petitioners

  • Sreekesh

Respondents

  • State of Kerala represented by its Secretary, Revenue (Devaswom) Department
  • The Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board
  • The Assistant Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board
  • Executive Officer, Karattukurushi Sri Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom
  • Inspector, Malabar Devaswom Board, Ottapalam Division
  • Area Committee, Palakkad Division, Malabar Devaswom Board
  • Chairman, Area Committee, Palakkad, Malabar Devaswom Board
  • Hereditary Trustee, Karattukurushi Sri Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom
  • Sudheer V.R.
  • Balakrishnan
  • Ramachandran M T
  • Malabar Devaswom Board represented by its Secretary

Legal Representation & Advocates

Counsels for Petitioners

  • • C. Dinesh

Counsels for Respondents

  • • Mahesh V. Ramakrishnan
  • • Praveen K.S.
  • • S. Rajmohan
  • • R. Lakshmi Narayan

Case Synopsis & Summary

Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom, a temple under the Malabar Devaswom Board, challenged Ext.P8, the 19.10.2023 order appointing two non-hereditary trustees (respondents 10 and 11) who are politicians. Ext.P1 dated 26.04.2023 prescribed eligibility that excludes active political workers, and the petitioner argues Ext.P8 violates Ext.P1 and the Court’s own precedents, notably Chathu Achan K. v. State of Kerala (2022) and Suresh K. v. State of Kerala, as well as Anantha Narayanan and others (2023). The petition contends that appointment of active politicians as non-hereditary trustees contravenes the scheme governing the temple (Section 58 MHRE Act) or, at least, the procedural fairness required under Section 39(5) (and related sub-sections) of the Act. The respondents contend that respondents 9–11 already assumed charge as non-hereditary trustees and argue the remedy lies under Section 18 of the MHRE Act, which the Court invites the petitioner to pursue. The Court surveys a line of decided cases, clarifying the role of the hereditary trustee, the necessity of fairness, and the inapplicability of Section 39(2) where a scheme under Section 58 governs the temple. Ultimately, it disposes the petition with directions for disclosure of the deciding papers, a revision petition under Section 18, and a reasoned order, while keeping the interim stay in force.

Provisions of Law Cited

Article 226 of the Constitution of IndiaMadras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951 - Section 39(5)Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951 - Section 39(2)Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951 - Section 58Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951 - Section 18

Legal Doctrines & Maxims

  • Fair, judicious and non-arbitrary exercise of power by the Commissioner under MHRE Act.
  • Fairness in procedure; opportunity to place views before final orders (not binding, but aids decision-making).
  • In schemes governed by Section 58 of the MHRE Act, the applicability of Section 39(2) is limited; focus is on the scheme in operation.
  • Active involvement in politics as a disqualification for non-hereditary trustees under clauses of Ext.R6(a) / Ext.P1.
  • Trustee qualifications should align with the de facto eligibility/Disqualification clauses laid out in the notification (Ext.P1).

Submissions & Arguments

Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners

The petitioner contends that Ext.P8 appointed respondents 10 and 11 as non-hereditary trustees are active politicians, violating Ext.P1 notification and this Court's decisions (Chathu Achan K., Suresh K., Anantha Narayanan). The temple’s administration must follow the eligibility criteria and the 58-scheme governance; the remedy is quashing Ext.P8 and, if necessary, challenging under Section 18 MHRE Act.

Contentions of Respondents

The respondents argue that respondents 9–11 have already assumed charge and that the notification Ext.P1, read with the MHRE Act scheme (Section 58), permits area-based decisions. They insist on the availability of a remedy under Section 18 and rely on prior precedents to show that a fair, lawful process was followed; they maintain the court should not interfere with a decision already acted upon by the area committee.

Cited Precedents (11)

Case NameCitationTreatmentExplanation
Chathu Achan K. v. State of Kerala2022 (6) KLT 388PositiveUsed to emphasize that for non-hereditary trustees, active politicians are disqualified under the eligibility clauses; reliance on the Court’s interpretation of disqualification and eligibility criteria.
Suresh K. v. State of Kerala and others2021 (2) KLT 885PositiveCited to illustrate the distinction between political sympathy and active politics in judging disqualification; the Court adopts this cautious view on political involvement.
Anantha Narayanan and another v. Malabar Devaswom Board and others2023 KLT OnLine 1195 : 2023 SCC OnLine Ker 1022PositiveUsed to support the proposition that active involvement in politics renders a person ineligible under clause 3(7) and Ext.R6(a).
Sreedharan Nambeesan P. v. Commissioner Malabar Devaswom Board and Others2018 (2) KLT 115PositiveCited to discuss the fairness in procedure and that hereditary trustees should be given an opportunity to place views; not necessarily concurrence.
Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board and others v. Sreedharan Nambeesan P.2018:KER:17236PositiveClarifies that the hereditary trustee is given an opportunity to speak; views are not binding but assist the Commissioner.
Gopinatha Menon (Kenathachan) v. Malabar Devaswom Board2012:KER:16515PositiveSupports the view that appointment can be guided by a scheme under Section 58, without resorting to Section 39(2).
Parameshwaran Namboothiri P. M. v. Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board2011 (2) KHC 719Mentioned OnlyNoted as context for Section 39(2) discussions; its application is limited where a scheme under Section 58 governs the temple.
V. Sudharsanan v. Malabar Devaswom Board and others2012:KER:24089PositiveAffirms the need to hear objections to eligibility and to give notice before appointing non-hereditary trustees.
A.A. Gopalakrishnan v. Cochin Devaswom Board(2007) 7 SCC 482PositiveSupports the principle of due diligence in trustee qualifications as per law.
Sreedharan Nambeesan P. v. Commissioner Malabar Devaswom Board and Others2018 (2) KLT 115 (reiteration)PositiveRepeated citational support for the obligation to consider hereditable trustees’ views.
W.P.(C) No.29279 of 2023—Mentioned OnlyJudgment cited as a related decision affecting practice, not directly controlling the instant case.

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Extracted Judgment Text

Exact text extracted from official judgment records.

# **`IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT`** ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE ANIL K. NARENDRAN ``` ``` & ``` ``` THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G. GIRISH ``` ``` TUESDAY, THE 14[TH] DAY OF NOVEMBER 2023 / 23RD KARTHIKA, 1945 ``` ``` W.P.(C)NO.36883OF 2023 ``` ``` PETITIONER: ``` ``` SREEKESH, AGED 35 YEARS ``` ``` S/O SREEDARAN, KOTTANTHARA, VTC:THRIKKADEERI-II, P.O KARATTUKURISSI, OTTAPPALAM, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679503 ``` ``` BY ADV C.DINESH ``` ## **`RESPONDENTS:`** - **`1 STATE OF KERALA, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, REVENUE (DEVASWOM) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, GOVT.PRESS P.O), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-, PIN - 695001`** - **`2 THE COMMISSIONER, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD OFFICE, ERANJIPPALAM, KOZHIKODE-673006, PIN - 673006`** - **`3 THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OFFICE, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679513`** - **`4 THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER KARATTUKURUSHI SRI ARATTUKUNNATHU KAVU DEVASWOM, KARATTUKURUSHI P.O., OTTAPALAM, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679513`** - **`5 INSPECTOR, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD , OTTAPALAM DIVISION, INSPECTOR'S OFFICE, CHERPULASSERRI P.O., PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679503`** 2 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 - **`6 THE AREA COMMITTEE, PALAKKAD DIVISION, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD, REPRESENTED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, OFFICE OF THE AREA COMMITTEE, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679513`** - **`7 THE CHAIRMAN, AREA COMMITTEE, PALAKKAD, MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD, PALAKKAD DIVISION, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679513`** - **`8 HEREDITARY TRUSTEE, KARATTUKURUSHI SRI ARATTUKUNNATHU KAVU DEVASWAM, KARATTUKURUSHI P.O., OTTAPALAM, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679503`** - **`9 SUDHEER V.R. S/O V.RADHAKRISHNAN, VAZHAMKUNNATH HOUSE, CHERPULASSERI P.O., PALAKKAD DISTRICT, PIN - 679503`** - **`10 BALAKRISHNAN, A.P /O A.P. MADHAVAN, VELLATTUPARAMBIL VEEDU KARATTUKURUSHI P.O, PALAKKAD, PIN - 679503`** - **`11 RAMACHANDRAN M T`** ``` S/O KUNJAN, VELLATTUPARAMBIL, MATTAMMALTHODI, KARATTUKURUSHI P.O, PALAKKAD PIN-, PIN - 679503 ``` ``` 12MALABAR DEVASWAM BOARD, REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, HOUSEFED COMPLEX, ERANJIPPALAM, KOZHIKODE, PIN - 673006 ``` ``` BY ADVS. MAHESH V RAMAKRISHNAN PRAVEEN K.S.(K/2191/2021) ``` ``` SRI S.RAJMOHAN - SR GOVERNMENT PLEADER; SRI R.LAKSHMI NARAYAN- STANDING COUNSEL MALABAR DEVASWOM BOARD ``` ``` THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 14.11.2023, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: ``` 3 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 ## **JUDGMENT** ## **Anil K. Narendran, J.** The petitioner, who is a devotee of Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom in Ottapalam Taluk, which is a controlled institution under the Malabar Devaswom Board, has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking a writ of certiorari to quash Ext.P8 order dated 19.10.2023 of the 3[rd] respondent Assistant Commissioner appointing respondents 10 and 11 as non-hereditary trustees of the said Devaswom, as their appointments are arbitrary, illegal and contrary to Ext.P1 notification dated 26.04.2023 and the law laid down by this Court in **Chathu Achan K. v. State of Kerala [2022 (6) KLT 388]** , **Suresh K. v. State of Kerala and others [2021 (2) KLT 885]** and **Anantha Narayanan and another v. Malabar Devaswom Board and others [2023 KLT OnLine 1195 : 2023 SCC OnLine Ker 1022]** . The petitioner has also sought for other consequential reliefs. 2. Going by the averments in the writ petition, Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom is a very famous temple in Palakkad District, which is a controlled institution under the Malabar Devaswom Board. The 3[rd] 4 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 respondent Assistant Commissioner, Palakkad, issued Ext.P1 notification dated 26.04.2023, inviting applications from interested parties to become non-hereditary trustees of Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom. The notification clearly prescribes the qualification required to become the non-hereditary trustee of the temple, which expressly excludes certain categories of persons, like those who are actively involved in political activities and persons who are engaged in other jobs. Now, contrary to the notification and the judgments of this Court in the decisions referred to supra, the 3[rd] respondent issued Ext.P8 order dated 19.10.2023, appointing respondents 10 and 11, who are office bearers of the ruling political party, as the non-hereditary trustees of the temple. Even prior to the issuance of Ext.P8 order, the petitioner along with other devotees submitted Exts.P3 and P6 objections. 3. On 07.11.2023, when this writ petition came up for admission, the learned Senior Government Pleader took notice on admission for the 1[st] respondent and the learned Standing Counsel for Malabar Devaswom Board for respondents 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 12. Urgent notice by special messenger was ordered to respondents 4 and 8 to 11, returnable by 14.11.2023. The learned counsel for 5 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 the petitioner placed reliance on the decision of this Court in **Chathu Achan [2022 (6) KLT 388]** and **Anantha Narayanan [2023 KLT OnLine 1195]** . The learned Standing Counsel for Malabar Devaswom Board, on instructions from the 3[rd] respondent Assistant Commissioner, submitted that respondents 9 to 11 have already assumed charge as non-hereditary trustees of Karattukurushi Sri Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom, on 07.11.2023 morning. In such circumstances, this Court passed an interim order to the effect that the Board of Trustees of Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom shall not take any policy decisions or make any appointments, either temporary or permanent, in the Devaswom for a period of one month. It was made clear that the said order will not stand in the way of the Board of Trustees managing the day-to-day affairs of the Devaswom. 4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Senior Government Pleader for the 1[st] respondent, the learned Standing Counsel for Malabar Devaswom Board for respondents 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 12 and also the learned counsel for respondents 9 to 11. 5. The challenge made in this writ petition is against the 6 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 appointment of respondents 10 and 11 as non-hereditary trustees of Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom, which is a controlled institution under the Malabar Devaswom Board. The contention of the petitioner is that respondents 10 and 11 are active politicians and as such they are disqualified to be selected as non-hereditary trustees in the said Devaswom, in terms of the eligibility and disqualification criteria in Ext.P1 notification dated 26.04.2023, and also the law laid down by this Court in the decisions referred to supra. 6. In **Sreedharan Nambeesan P. v. Commissioner Malabar Devaswom Board and Others [2018 (2) KLT 115]** the issue raised before a Division Bench of this Court was whether the hereditary trustee of a temple would have any right to be given notice before a non-hereditary trustee is being appointed by the Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board, under Section 39(5) of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951. In paragraph 11 of the said judgment, the Division Bench held as follows; “11. This is not to say that when the Commissioner invokes his power under Section 39(5) the Hereditary Trustee is completely divested of any say. The power vested with the Commissioner is to act fairly, judiciously and in a manner that behooves his office, being the seneschal of the various 7 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 temples and institutions under his command. The power of the Commissioner being bridled by the section itself, not to act unless there is an imminent necessity to fill up the vacancies of Non-hereditary Trustee or Trustees and that too after recording such reasons in writing, show the implicit care to be invested while acting under its sanction. The vacancies are not to be filled under his whim or fancy but the Commissioner is clearly obligated to first conclude if it is necessary to do so, which can only mean to be a situation in which he thinks that the Hereditary Trustee will not be sufficient on his own to manage the affairs of the temple/institution. The competence and capability of the Hereditary Trustee or Trustees thus becomes absolutely relevant and germane when vacancies are sought to be filled up in the posts of Non-hereditary Trustees under Section 39(5) of the Act and, therefore, the issuance of a notice of such intention by the Commissioner to the Hereditary Trustee or Trustees, though not specifically mentioned in Section 39(5), will be apposite if not to be read into its provisions as a concomitant necessity to ensure fairness in procedure. The submission of the learned Standing Counsel that the Hereditary Trustee need not be consulted at all, while acting under Section 39(5), therefore, does not appear to be on terra firma forensically.” 7. Seeking review of the judgment in **Sreedharan Nambeesan P. [2018 (2) KLT 115]** , the Commissioner Malabar Devaswom Board and others filed R.P.No.227 of 2018 [ **neutral Citation No: 2018:KER:17236** ], contending that the words in paragraph 11 of the said judgment would give an 8 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 impression that before acting under Section 39(5) of the Act, the competent authority is obligated to obtain the concurrence of the hereditary trustee. 8. In the decision in **Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board and others v. Sreedharan Nambeesan P.** **[2018:KER:17236]** the Division Bench clarified that in the judgment, what was intended was that the hereditary trustee be offered an opportunity to place his view regarding the necessity of filling up the vacancy in the office of the non-hereditary trustee. The judgment did not say that the concurrence of the hereditary trustee is necessary but only that he may be given the opportunity to state why he thinks that there is no necessity for the Commissioner to appoint a non-hereditary trustee. The Division Bench found this apposite since as per the provisions of Section 39(5) of the Act the Commissioner shall not fill up a vacancy of a non-hereditary trustee unless he considers it necessary to do so. It was in the backdrop of this particular provision that the Division Bench said that even though the issuance of a notice to the hereditary trustee is not mandated or specifically provided under Section 39(5) of the Act, it will be desirable, to ensure fairness in procedure, that the hereditary trustee is also afforded an 9 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 opportunity to place his views appropriately before final orders are passed under Section 39(5). The intention was not that the concurrence of the hereditary trustee to the proposal of the Commissioner be obtained but merely that he be given an opportunity to speak his opinion as to why he feels that there is no necessity to appoint a non-hereditary trustee in the temple. It is needless to say that since it was not the concurrence of the hereditary trustee that is required to be obtained, as per the judgment, the only obligation of the Commissioner is to afford the hereditary trustee an opportunity to say why he feels that no necessity exists for an order under Section 39(5) of the Act, so that any vital information, which is within the domain of the hereditary trustee can also be placed for his consideration. The Division Bench further clarified that the views of the hereditary trustee are not binding on the Commissioner, as per the provisions under Section 39(5) of the Act, but merely that such views can also be elicited to aid the Commissioner while he takes a decision as to whether it is necessary to fill up the vacancy. With the above clarification, the Division Bench closed the review petition. 9. In **Gopinatha Menon (Kenathachan) v. Malabar Devaswom Board [2012:KER:16515]** a Division Bench of this 10 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 Court held that recourse to sub-section (2) of Section 39 of the Act, is not necessary to make an appointment of a non-hereditary trustee on any ground referable to the conduct of the hereditary trustee, or otherwise, when there is a scheme governing the trust, - which provides, among other things, for appointment of four non hereditary trustees. 10. In **Chathu Achan K. v. State of Kerala [2022 (6) KLT 388]** a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J] was a party noticed that the decision of the Division Bench in **Parameshwaran Namboothiri P. M. v. Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board [2011 (2) KHC 719]** and **Sreedharan Nambissan P. v. Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board [2018 (2) KLT 115]** are in the context of the provisions under sub-section (2) of Section 39 of the Act, which deals with the appointment of non-hereditary trustees in the circumstances stated in the sub-section (2), which - has no application when the appointment of non hereditary trustees in a temple is governed by the provisions under the scheme framed under Section 58 of the Act. Sub-section (2) of Section 39 of the Act relates to the appointment of non-hereditary trustees in temples, where there is no scheme framed in terms of 11 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 Section 58 of the Act. Once such a scheme is framed, the Malabar Devaswom Board has to see that the administration of the temple is carried on in accordance with that scheme. 11. In **Gopinatha Menon [2012:KER:16515]** the Division Bench noticed that the complaint of the petitioner, who is the Managing Trustee of the temple in question was that, the persons who are appointed as non-hereditary trustees are disqualified, as they are active politicians or those clouded by allegations referable to financial misconduct. The Division Bench observed that, even if the persons who have been selected and appointed as non-hereditary trustees have any such disqualifications, it may be open to the petitioner to move the Commissioner by pointing out such disqualifications. The Commissioner will then have to hear the petitioner and the persons against whom such allegations are made and conclude whether any such disqualification exists, warranting the removal of those persons. Therefore, the Division Bench dismissed the writ petition _in limine_ , leaving that issue open. 12. In **V. Sudharsanan v. Malabar Devaswom Board and others [2012:KER:24089]** , the Division Bench of this Court was dealing with a case in which one of the contention raised by 12 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 the petitioners was that, the persons elected are disqualified from being appointed as non-hereditary trustees of the temple in question, on account of their alleged political allegiance and the fact that they are active political workers. The Division Bench noticed that the said question is essentially a question of fact, which has to be decided, if any such objection is raised. Such - decision making process has to be undertaken by the appointing authority. Therefore, if any one among the petitioners has any objection or complaint in that regard, he may place it before the Malabar Devaswom Board, within a period of one month. If any such objection or complaint is received, the competent authority will issue notice to the non-hereditary trustees concerned and give him an opportunity of being heard and take a decision on that issue, in accordance with law. > 13. In **Suresh K. v. State of Kerala and others [2021 (2) KLT 885]** , a Division Bench of this Court observed that temple or its precincts cannot be made a place where political parties should look forward to give political asylum to their workers. The Division Bench noticed that ours being a highly politically sensitive State, hardly any person can be traced, who is completely apolitical or who may not have his own independent political views. 13 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 There may be persons having permanent political ideologies or views whereas there may be equal number of persons who hold views according to the issues involved. Perhaps that may be the reason why Kerala has become a State of political swinging. The Division Bench made it clear that holding political views or sympathizing with a political denomination cannot be held a disqualification for nominating anyone to such a post. On the facts of the case on hand, the Division Bench held that “even assuming that respondents 7 to 9 have some political leaning or rather they are sympathizers of a political party, that fact will not disentitle them to be considered for appointment as non-hereditary trustees. There is clear distinction between sympathizing with a political party and indulging in active participation in the activities of the party. The taboo under sub-clause (g) of clause 3 of the notification issued by the Commissioner will be attracted only if respondents 7 to 9 are active politicians or are office bearers of a political party, for which absolutely no evidence is forthcoming. ## 14. In **Chathu Achan K. [2022 (6) KLT 388]** , this Court held that the provisions of Clauses 3 and 4 of the notification issued by the Commissioner, make it explicitly clear that, for appointment as non-hereditary trustee of the temple, the 14 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 applicant should be a regular worshipper of the temple, who is prepared to actively work for the betterment of the temple. He should be a permanent resident of the Taluk in which the temple situates, who believe in idolatry. Persons who are busy with their employment, office bearers of political parties, active politicians or those indulging in active participation in the activities of a political party cannot aspire appointment as non-hereditary trustee of the temple. Therefore, it is for the Commissioner to take necessary steps to ensure that any appointment made as non-hereditary trustee of the temples under the control of Malabar Devaswom Board is strictly in terms of the disqualification and eligibility clauses provided in similar notifications. If found necessary, the format of the application for appointment as a non-hereditary trustee in the temple under the control of Malabar Devaswom Board has to be modified in an appropriate manner, by requiring the applicant to furnish particulars in terms of the disqualification and eligibility clauses in similar notifications. The Commissioner was directed to take necessary steps in this regard, if found necessary, after placing before the Malabar Devaswom Board, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of that judgment. 15 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 15. In judgment dated 08.09.2023 in W.P.(C)No.29279 of 2023 this Court held that, in view of the law laid down by this Court in **Chathu Achan K. [2022 (6) KLT 388]** , for appointment as non-hereditary trustee in TTK Devaswom, which are controlled institutions under the Malabar Devaswom Board, the applicant should be a regular worshipper of the temple, who is prepared to actively work for the betterment of the temple. He should be a permanent resident of the Taluk in which the temple situates, who believe in idolatry. Persons who are busy with their employment, office bearers of political parties, active politicians or those indulging in active participation in the activities of a political party cannot aspire appointment as non-hereditary trustees of TTK Devaswom. Therefore, the Commissioner has to ensure that any appointments made as non-hereditary trustee in TTK Devaswom, which is a controlled institution under the Malabar Devaswom Board, are strictly in terms of the disqualification and eligibility clauses provided in the notification dated 10.07.2023 (Ext.P1). 16. In **Anantha Narayanan and another v. Malabar Devaswom Board and others [2023 KLT OnLine 1195 : 2023 SCC OnLine Ker 1022]** , a Division Bench of this Court in which one among us [Anil K. Narendran, J] was a party, held that when 16 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 clause 3(7) of Ext.R6(a) notification [clause 3(7) in Ext.P1 notification dated 26.04.2023] issued by the Commissioner for appointment as non-hereditary trustees in the temples, which are controlled institutions under the Malabar Devaswom Board, is considered in the light of the interpretation given by this Court in **Chathu Achan K. [2022 (6) KLT 388]** , no person actively - involved in politics is eligible to be appointed as a non hereditary trustee in a temple. ## 17. In **Anantha Narayanan [2023 KLT OnLine 1195]** the Division Bench noticed that the _Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary_ defines ‘politician’ as “a person whose job is concerned with politics, especially as an elected member of the Parliament, etc.” Such a technical meaning of the word ‘politician’ cannot be accepted to understand clause 3(7) in Ext.R6(a) notification which says that active politicians or persons holding official posts in any political party are ineligible. The terms are used disjunctively. So persons who are actively involved in politics, whether or not they hold any post in a political party, are ineligible. On the facts of the case on hand, the Division Bench noticed that respondents 6 to 8 therein have no case that they have any other profession. It is a matter of common knowledge that the functioning of a political 17 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 party and selection/election of its office bearers is not similar to public employment. Whichever be the political party, one who is actively involved in the activities of that political party alone is ordinarily selected/elected as an office bearer. Having been selected as office bearers of the political party/DYFI before or soon after the appointment as non-hereditary trustees, respondents 6 to 8 cannot contend that they were not active politicians. In constitution of DYFI [Ext.R6(e)], it is stated that a member of the DYFI can work in any political party. That does not mean that the DYFI does not have any political colour. Whether or not it has any affiliation to any particular political party, what is evident from the constitution is that the area of activities of DYFI is politics and related activities. As such it cannot be said that the activities of DYFI are non-political. 18. In **Anantha Narayanan [2023 KLT OnLine 1195]** the Division Bench noticed that, going by the parameters prescribed in notification [Ext.R6(a)], persons who are convicted for more than six months for offences involving moral turpitude are alone ineligible to be non-hereditary trustees. It is, however, specifically prescribed in Ext.R6(a) that persons who apply to be appointed as non-hereditary trustees shall be idol worshippers and 18 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 persons having an interest in the advancement of the temple. They should also be persons used to be involved in the affairs of the temple. A person having reverence and adoration for a deity can alone be treated as a worshipper. A person facing criminal prosecution for an offence involving moral turpitude cannot be considered a true worshipper of that standard required for a person to be appointed as a trustee in a temple. A trustee is a person obligated to conduct temple affairs in accordance with custom or usage. In **A.A. Gopalakrishnan v. Cochin Devaswom Board [(2007) 7 SCC 482]** a Three-Judge Bench of the Apex Court explained the diligence and devotion a trustee of a temple should have. When those are the necessary qualifications required for a person to be appointed as a non-hereditary trustee, and the danger of appointing unqualified and untrustworthy persons as trustees, the Malabar Devaswom Board shall stipulate the eligibility criteria in consonance with that. Therefore, the Malabar Devaswom Board was directed to take a decision in that regard before proceeding with any new appointment of nonhereditary trustees in the temples under it. 19. The learned Standing Counsel for Malabar Devaswom Board would point out that the decision to appoint respondents 10 19 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 and 11 as non-hereditary trustees in Karattukurushi Sree Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom is one taken by the 6[th] respondent Area Committee. Based on that decision, the 3[rd] respondent Assistant Commissioner issued Ext.P8 order dated 19.10.2023. If the petitioner is feeling aggrieved by that decision, he can invoke the statutory remedy under Section 18 of the Act by filing a revision petition before the 2[nd] respondent Commissioner. 20. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner shall file a revision petition before the 2[nd] respondent Commissioner raising appropriate legal and factual contentions, relying on the decision of this Court in **Chathu Achan K. [2022 (6) KLT 388]** and **Anantha Narayanan [2023 KLT OnLine 1195 : 2023 SCC OnLine Ker 1022]** . 21. Having considered the submissions made at the Bar, we deem it appropriate to dispose of this writ petition, leaving open the legal and factual contentions raised by the petitioner, with the following directions; (1) Within two weeks from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment, the 3[rd] respondent shall furnish to the petitioner, a copy of the decision taken by the Area Committee, whereby respondents 10 and 11 are appointed as the Non-Hereditary Trustees in Karattukurushi Sri 20 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 Arattukunnathu Kavu Devaswom and also a copy of the order No.A5/4512/2022/MDB (K.Dis) dated 19.10.2023 issued by the said respondent. (2) Within two weeks thereafter, the petitioner shall file a revision petition before the 2[nd] respondent Commissioner, Malabar Devaswom Board, invoking the provisions under Section 18 of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951, challenging the appointment of respondents 10 and 11 as Non-Hereditary Trustees, along with an application for interim stay. (3) The 2[nd] respondent Commissioner shall consider and pass appropriate orders on the application for interim stay, with notice to the petitioner and respondents 10 and 11, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of that application. Thereafter, the 2[nd] respondent shall finally dispose of that revision petition, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a further period of two months; after adverting to the legal and factual contentions raised by both sides and also the law laid down in the decisions referred to supra. (4) The order passed by the 2[nd] respondent shall be a ‘reasoned order’. (5) Till orders are passed by the 2[nd] respondent Commissioner in the application for interim stay, within the time limit stipulated as above, the interim order granted by this Court on 07.11.2023 shall continue to be in force. Sd/- ## **ANIL K. NARENDRAN, JUDGE** Sd/- **G. GIRISH, JUDGE** Yd 21 W.P.(C) No.36883 of 2023 ## **`APPENDIX OF WP(C) 36883/2023`** ## **`PETITIONER EXHIBITS`** - **`Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION INVITING NONHEREDITARY TRUSTEES FOR KARATTUKURUSHI SRI ARATTUKUNNATHU KAVU DEVASWAM DATED 26.4.2023`** - **`Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE ENQUIRY REPORT DATED 1.9.2023 OBTAINED UNDER RTI ACT BY DEEPESH V.G. S/O V.GOPALAKRISHNAN`** - **`Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER ALONG WITH OTHER DEVOTEES TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED NILL`** - **`Exhibit P4 THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND WRITINGS IN SOCIAL MEDIA CONGRATULATING THE 10TH RESPONDENT WHEN 10TH RESPONDENT WAS SELECTED AS BRANCH SECRETARY IN SEPTEMBER, 2021 BY 10TH RESPONDENT'S PARTY MEMBERS`** - **`Exhibit P5 THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND WRITINGS IN SOCIAL MEDIA CONGRATULATING THE 10TH RESPONDENT WHEN 10TH RESPONDENT WAS SELECTED AS BRANCH SECRETARY IN SEPTEMBER, 2021 BY 10TH RESPONDENT'S PARTY MEMBERS`** - **`Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE PETITIONER TO THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED NIL`** ``` Exhibit P7TRUE COPY OF THE PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE 11TH RESPONDENT ATTENDING THE PARTY MEETING ``` - **`Exhibit P8 TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF THE 3RD RESPONDENT DATED 19.10.2023 APPOINTING RESPONDENTS 10 AND 11 AS NONHEREDITARY TRUSTEE OF THE TEMPLE`**