Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ruled that tantrics cannot claim personal ownership over temple properties. It clarified that the vaji vehicle on the old flagpoles in temples, removed when new flagpoles are installed, is not the property of the tantri but belongs to the Devaswam. The court’s crucial verdict from the Devaswam bench emphasizes that the tantri’s authority to perform temple rituals and their ownership rights over temple properties are distinct and cannot be conflated.
This clarification came when the court dismissed a petition filed by office bearers of the Akhila Tantri Pracharaka Sabha challenging the legality of a 2012 circular issued by the Travancore Devaswam Commissioner. The circular mandated that objects from old temple flagpoles, including the vaji vehicle, must be retained as temple property under the control of the Devaswam Board. The petition contested the circular based on traditional rites and tantric rights associated with the flagpoles.
The court observed that while tantrics have a special role in controlling temple worship procedures and rituals, such ritual authority does not translate into personal ownership of temple valuables or other properties. Citing the distinction between ritual rights and legal property rights, the court held that an object utilized in particular ceremonies or managed by the tantri as part of the rites does not become the tantri’s private property.
The verdict draws attention to the fact that temple properties are dedicated to the deity and their protection and maintenance are responsibilities of the Devaswam system and its officials. This includes all temple assets such as the vaji vehicle, an important decorative component of temple flagpoles, that carries significant ritual and traditional value.
There have been past controversies, such as the incident where the vaji vehicle from the old Sabarimala flagpole was kept at a tantri’s residence, raising legal and administrative concerns about private possession of valuable temple items. The High Court’s clear stance that such objects cannot be privately held is intended to preclude similar disputes.
Through this ruling, the court underscores that temple ownership rights are distinct from ritual functions and that private individuals—even tantrics performing key rites—cannot claim ownership of temple properties. The injunction insists that properties dedicated to temples cannot be appropriated for personal use or ownership.
The High Court’s decision reaffirms the need to safeguard the heritage, rituals, and valuables of temples while ensuring the legal protection and responsible stewardship of Devaswam properties. Authorities managing these temple assets are thus mandated to uphold their duties diligently, securing the temple’s interests and legacy.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
