Justice GR Swaminathan was on a personal visit to Nagercoil when the petitioner made a fervent prayer for urgent hearing of the case.
“‘Our village will face divine wrath if the proposed Rath festival is not held tomorrow’ – This fervent prayer of the writ petitioner made the Court to hold an emergent sitting from Nagercoil and conduct the case through Whatsapp,” the High Court noted in its order.
The Court while allowing the Rath Yatra made reference to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR & CE) and emphasised that the power to control and supervise temple administration came with a duty.
“If the Government, through the HR & CE Department wants to have control and supervision over temple administration, it has the twin duty of ensuring that the traditional festivals are held by adhering to the safety standards”, the single-judge’s order said.
Source: Barandbench
