PANAJI
The Assurance Committee of the Goa Legislative Assembly has recommended to the State government to amend the Devasthan Regulations 1933 in the interest of citizens. The recommendation is based on litigations between mazanias and other community members in respect of the temple rights.
The government, however, is of the view that any amendment to the Regulations may lead to “unwarranted government interference” thereby hurting the religious sentiments and flaring law and order situation.
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 government then decided to keep the move on hold.
The Assurance Committee headed by BJP MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco while reviewing the action taken report on the assurances made on the Floor of the House, observed that the same is not fulfilled and accordingly recommended the government to “try to bring an amendment taking all the stakeholders into confidence”.
“Ensure that the amendment will be in the interest of the majority,” the Committee recommended in its report submitted in the House on Wednesday.
During the review meeting, the Revenue department, while maintaining that the matter is still under examination, informed the Committee that the matter was duly examined, wherein it was brought to light that the Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of Conscience and Free Profession, practice and propagation of religion.
“During any dispute, instead of performing the rituals in a traditional way, if they are performed by the Administrator and staff, then it may hurt the sentiments of the villagers and devotees and has potential to flare law and order issues,” the department said.
The department said that every Devasthan has their unique culture and tradition which the Mazanias and Gaunkars follow and their sentiments are attached to their customs and traditions. Hence, Government directing any Mamlatdar or Administrator of Devasthan or any other person may not be conversant with the customs and traditions of the Devasthan and as such any interference may hurt their sentiments thereby resulting into more serious issues.
“Considering these facts, any amendment to Article 70 of the Regulations may lead to any unwarranted interference thereby hurting the religious sentiments of devotees. As such, at present, the government is of the opinion that immediate amendment is not required,” the department said.
The Regulamento das Mazanias, translated as Devasthan Regulation 1933 regulates the functioning of more than 200 prominent Hindu temples in Goa. The Regulations govern 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.
