Rethinks appointing receivers to conduct religious festivities for disputed temples
PANAJI
Close to two years after it proposed to amend the Devasthan Regulation 1933, following litigations between mazanias and other community members in respect of the temple rights, the Goa government has decided to keep on hold its move to appoint receivers to conduct religious festivities in the Devasthans which are under disputes.
Taking note of a series of instances of rising conflicts between Mazanias (Mahajans) and other community members or villagers over temple rights, resulting in disturbing peace and causing law and order situations, the Government in January, 2023, proposed before the Goa Legislative Assembly its plan to amend the Regulations.
The ongoing tension between Mahajans and villagers in Madkai village over idol right at Navdurga Devasthan Madkai, is one such example. The conflict has been going on since 2016.
The Regulamento das Mazanias, translated as Devasthan Regulation 1933 regulates the functioning of more than 200 prominent Hindu temples in Goa. The Regulations governs the Devasthans in Goa, Daman, and Diu. The regulation includes provisions for the administration of temples, elections, and fees.
As per the Regulations, the affairs of the temple are administered by the elected members of the managing committee of Mahajans.
Speaking to The Goan, the Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate said “the proposal is kept on hold. We need to study the pros and cons before making any changes”.
“It’s a religious issue and we need to understand and respect people’s sentiments,” the Minister added.
As part of the proposal, Monserrate had told the House that he will examine and explore the possibility of instructing district magistrates or mamlatdars to appoint receivers to conduct religious festivities in cases where there are disputes raised by mazanias over the celebration, until the matter is decided by the civil court.
The House had debated on the internal disputes arising among the body of members (mazanias) in most Hindu temples, and sought information on the steps the government will take to empower administrators to act in the matter.
“There are instances of infighting among the mazania over the administration of Devasthans, particularly over financial matters. Instances have also come to the notice of the government that there are litigations between mazanias and other community members in respect of claiming right as mazania, which results in law and order situation during celebration of religious festivals,” Monserrate had said.
