Himachal High Court: Temple Wealth Belongs to the Deity, Not the Government – Transparency and Social Responsibility Mandated
Shimla, October 15, 2025 —
In a landmark judgment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has declared that temple wealth belongs solely to the deity and not the state government. The court issued strict directions under the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1984.
Key Highlights:
- Temples must publicly display monthly income, expenses, audit reports, and project details.
- Misuse of temple funds by trustees will result in recovery from those responsible.
- Temple money to be used strictly for religious, educational, and welfare activities.
- Spending on roads, bridges, government schemes, VIP gifts, or interfaith political programs is prohibited.
- Court provided a list of 31 approved categories for fund utilization.
₹361 Crore Income in 10 Years:
According to a 2018 report, 12 major temples in Himachal generated ₹361 crore between 2008 and 2017, including Jwalaji, Brajeshwari, Tara Devi, Sankat Mochan, and Jakhu Hanuman temples.
Push for Inclusion and Reform:
The Court emphasized promoting inter-caste marriages and eliminating social discrimination. It noted that even in ancient India, inter-caste unions were respected, citing examples from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Temples as Centers of Modern Relevance:
The Court urged temple administrations to connect with the youth through sports, yoga camps, and cultural festivals. Temples should support art, music, and social dialogue, becoming vibrant centers of Hindu heritage.
Not Just Places of Worship, but Hubs of Service:
Temples can emulate their historical role as community centers by running food programs, health camps, legal aid clinics, and skill development workshops, reinforcing the Hindu principle of compassion for all beings.
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