Madras High Court compares appointment of Srirangam pontiff to election of Pope, sets deadline to fill position

The Madras High Court recently drew parallels between the election of the Pope and the appointment of the Srirangam temple's pontiff while ordering that the post which has remained vacant since 2018 be filled within six months [Veera Raghavan Vs State of TN]

A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and P Murugan observed that those responsible for selecting the pontiff should remain inside the Mutt until a successor is chosen.

"Just as the Cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel and the doors are opened only when the white smoke emanates from the chimney indicating the selection of the Pope, the Sthalattars should be locked inside the Mutt premises and allowed to come out only after resolving the issue," said the Court.

The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by S Veeraraghavan, a devotee belonging to the Sri Vaishnava Tenkalai sect, seeking the appointment of a successor to the Sriranganarayana Jeeyar.

The bench noted that the Jeeyars' lineage dates to the 12th century.

Sri Ramanujacharya had devised an elaborate system for administering the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, with the Jeeyar occupying an apex position. Apart from performing spiritual functions, the Jeeyar exercises administrative responsibilities and acts as a neutral arbiter to ensure compliance with the Agamas.

The 50th Jeeyar, who assumed office in 1989, died in 2018 without nominating a successor. Under the Mutt's customs, the successor must be selected by the Sthalattars, either unanimously or by majority.

However, the Court observed that the prolonged vacancy benefited the Sthalattars and Bhattars, among whom the Jeeyar's powers had been distributed.

"Since there is no Jeeyar, there is no one to question them also. There is no incentive for them to choose the next Jeeyar. On the other hand, the status quo suits them. But it certainly infringes the rights of the devotees."

The Court held that the failure to appoint a successor violates the fundamental rights of the Mutt's disciples under Article 25 of the Constitution.

It noted that the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department had invited applications in 2021 and received responses from qualified candidates but had taken no consequential steps.

It expressed shock that the previous Jeeyar had purportedly been appointed through proceedings issued by a temple official under Section 55(1) of the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959.

Apprehending a similar exercise, the Court warned the Department:

"Sorry! We won't permit you."

The bench ruled that appointing a religious pontiff was not an administrative function and that the department could neither select nor approve a successor.

"The selection of a Pontiff is a purely religious function and can never be construed as a secular or administrative act," it said.

It further clarified that the Jeeyar was not a temple employee and could not be subjected to disciplinary control by trustees.

The Court directed the jurisdictional Joint Commissioner to convene a meeting of the Sthalattars and ensure that the selection process is concluded within six months.

It warned that failure to comply could prompt judicial intervention under its parens patriae jurisdiction, including assistance from eminent Vaishnavite saints or a related religious institution.

The bench also observed that the newly appointed Jeeyar would be entitled to accommodation at the Cheran Mutt within the temple campus and maintenance from the Mutt's income.

Advocate Raguvaran Gopalan appeared for the petitioner

Additional Advocate General PV Balasubramanian, assisted by Government Pleader MP Senthil, represented the State authorities.

Advocate M Saravanan appeared for the temple authorities.

[Read Judgment]