Monitor hygiene in religious places

Why in news?

=>In what seems to be a transcending effect of the ongoing hearing on PILs on entry, assets and hygiene standards in the Jagannath Puri Temple, the Supreme Court has ordered judicial audit of all religious places and charitable institutions across India, asking district courts to examine complaints with regard to hygiene, management, utilisation of offerings and protection of assets of these institutes.

=>The order, applicable on all mosques, temples, churches, gurudwaras and other religious and charitable institutions in the country, requires the respective district courts to audit the religious places and charitable institutions, and submit the reports to respective high courts.

Key Highlighs:

=>It said the problem faced by devotees is a matter for consideration not only for the state and Centre but courts as well.

=>If any devotee moves the jurisdictional district judge throughout India with any grievance on the above aspect, the district judge may either himself/herself or by assigning the issue/matter to any other court under his/her jurisdiction examine above aspects and if necessary send a report to the high court.

=>The High Court will consider these aspects in public interest in accordance with law and issue such judicial directions as becomes necessary having regard to individual fact situation.

What’s next?

=>The apex court has asked the High Courts to treat these reports as public interest litigations (PILs) while stating that they could serve as the basis for the respective high courts to pass suitable judicial orders.

=>The issue of difficulties faced by the visitors, exploitative practices, deficiencies in the management, maintenance of hygiene, proper utilisation of offerings and protection of assets may require consideration with regard to all shrines throughout India, irrespective of religion practiced in such shrines.

Challenges:

=>According to the report, India has 20 lakh major temples and three lakh major mosques, and carrying out the task on a national scale is likely to strain the resources of the district courts, which are already struggling with lack of manpower.

=>The informal nature of many shrines, particularly smaller ones, and the absence of specific rules their functioning in many instances will add to the challenge.

Pic courtesy:Travel Biz Monitor