The Supreme Court on Monday held the ongoing criminal complaint and investigation against the management of the Tulja Bhavani Temple in Maharashtra regarding alleged misuse of offerings made by devotees. T
he complaint, initiated by a public interest litigation (PIL), accused the temple’s management of fraud and misappropriation of funds from 1991 to 2009.
A Bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and R Mahadevan issued notice on an appeal filed by the State of Maharashtra, challenging a ruling of the Bombay High Court delivered on May 9, 2024.
The High Court had previously directed the state to treat a 2017 crime branch enquiry report as a criminal complaint and to expedite the investigation into the matter.
The PIL, filed by the trust Hindu JanJagruti Samiti, highlighted concerns over the alleged mismanagement and improper use of donations at the Tuljapur-based temple, dedicated to Goddess Tuljabhavani.
The High Court, in its ruling, emphasized that the probe should reach a “logical conclusion,” leading the State government to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, along with Advocate Aaditya Aniruddha Pande, represented the State government in the apex court. Following the issuance of notice, the Supreme Court stayed further proceedings, pending further evaluation of the case.
The State government had approached the Supreme Court, seeking relief from the Bombay High Court’s directive, which called for swift action in concluding the criminal investigation.
Parties Involved:
- Appellant: State of Maharashtra
- Respondents: Hindu JanJagruti Samiti and others
- Bench: Justices Hrishikesh Roy and R Mahadevan
