New Delhi: Ever since Chief Justice Surya Kant became the Justice of India (CJI), he has been in the headlines. He remains in the news due to his decisions and outspoken comments. Taking this forward, on Friday he made another important comment which has now become a topic of discussion across the country. During a hearing he said that the money deposited in temples is the property of God. Under no circumstances can it be used as support for co-operative banks facing financial crisis.
During the hearing of the case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said in very clear words, the money of the temple belongs to God. It should be saved, kept safe and spent only in the interest of the temple. Banks cannot depend on this money to run their shops. This sharp comment came at a time when some cooperative banks of Kerala had challenged the High Court order directing the immediate return of the fixed deposit amount of Thirunelli Devaswom. The temple board had decided to shift this money to nationalized banks. But the cooperative banks delayed returning the money despite matured deposits.
What is the matter: Why did the Supreme Court get angry?
Thirunelli Devaswom had complained that many co-operative banks are continuously refusing to return the matured FD amount. The High Court ordered five banks to return the entire amount within two months. These banks included-
- Thirunelli Service Cooperative Bank.
- Sushila Gopalan Memorial Vanitha Cooperative Society.
- Mananthwadi Cooperative Rural Society.
- Mananthwadi Cooperative Urban Society.
- Wayanad Temple Employees Cooperative Society.
These banks challenged the High Court order in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court reiterated that the money deposited in the temple is considered the property of God.
Why the controversy increased: CJI’s strict comment
When the Supreme Court bench observed that the co-operative banks were withholding the funds of the temple on the plea of being in financial crisis, the CJI strongly reprimanded them. He said, ‘Why do you want to use the temple money to save the bank? When co-operative banks are in trouble, why won’t the temple money go to nationalized banks where it is safe and will get more interest?’ CJI further said that the bank should build its own credibility. He said, ‘If you are not able to attract customers and deposits, that is your problem, not the temple’s.’
What is the law on the rights of temple property?
The Supreme Court reiterated that the money deposited in the temple is considered the property of God. In the Indian judicial system, the deity is recognized as a legal personality, hence protection of his property is of top priority. CJI said that this money is for the maintenance of the temple, worship, traditional functions and welfare of the devotees. Not to cover the financial losses of any institution.
Why was the High Court harsh?
The Kerala High Court found that the cooperative banks did not return the temple FD amount despite repeated reminders. The High Court had clearly written that-
- Banks repeatedly asked for time.
- Money withheld even after FD matured.
- This affected the functioning of the temple.
Therefore, the court ordered that the entire amount be returned within two months.
Why did the Supreme Court not listen to the bank’s argument?
The bench said that the argument that the sudden order to return the money is creating difficulties for the bank cannot be accepted. CJI said, temple money cannot become the survival strategy of any bank. The Supreme Court rejected the banks’ petition. But they were given only one relief that they can appeal in the High Court to extend the time.
Banks cannot depend on temple money to run their shops – CJI. (file photo)
What next? Relief to temple board, pressure on banks
After the order of the Supreme Court, it is clear that the banks will have to return the FD amount of the temple. Now banks have only one option – to request the High Court for extension of time. The temple board says that as soon as it receives the amount, it will deposit it in a nationalized bank.
