Supreme Court Upholds Use of Temple Land for Vijayawada Utsav, Dismissing Petition

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition challenging the temporary use of 35 acres of land belonging to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Godugupeta, Machilipatnam, for the Vijayawada Utsav. The event, organized by the Society for Vibrant Vijayawada (SVV), is scheduled during the Dasara festival and aims to showcase the region’s cultural heritage.

Background of the Case
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had earlier stayed a single judge’s order that restrained the leasing of temple land for the event. The division bench of the High Court allowed the lease, provided the land was restored to its original condition post-event. Petitioners, led by Buragadda Sujay Kumar, argued that the lease violated the Endowments Act and the land’s agricultural designation.

Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Prashant Kumar Mishra, declined to interfere with the High Court’s interim order. The bench noted that the petitioners had no direct connection to the land or the temple and emphasized that both the state government and temple management had consented to the lease. The Court found no grounds to intervene and upheld the High Court’s decision.

Implications of the Decision
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on balancing religious property rights with cultural and economic activities. While the event is expected to boost tourism and local economy, it also raises questions about the long-term use of temple lands for non-religious purposes. The condition to restore the land post-event reflects an effort to mitigate potential misuse.

Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the petition paves the way for the Vijayawada Utsav, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding the use of religious land for cultural events. As such events become more prevalent, it is crucial to ensure that they align with legal frameworks and respect the sanctity of religious properties.