Madras HC directs Sthalattars to appoint new Jeeyar in Srirangam
Therefore, in the very nature of things, the department cannot claim the right to appoint or even to approve the appointment.
The court said this while directing the joint commissioner of HR and CE department, Trichy, to call upon the Sthalattars to convene a meeting at the very earliest, who in turn will request eligible and suitable persons to come forward to adorn the Peetham. Madurai: Non-filling of the vacancy in the office of the Pontiff of Sri Ranganarayana Jeeyar Mutt in Srirangam infringes the fundamental rights of disciples, Madras high court has observed. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by S Veeraraghavan of Srirangam. The judges observed that the selection of a pontiff is a purely religious function and can never be construed as a secular or administrative act. The selection has to be made by the Sthalattars. Their choice has to be formally acknowledged by the department and nothing more. Since there is no Jeeyar in Srirangam temple to perform the traditional and customary services and steps have not been taken to fill up the vacancy, the court is constrained to intervene.