Kashi Mutt dispute: SC permits Samyameendra Tirtha to pursue execution proceedings as decree-holder
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has paved the way for Kashi Mathadhipati Swami Samyameendra Tirtha to pursue execution proceedings as the decree-holder for recovery of gold, silver ornaments and other valuables belonging to the Gauda Saraswat Brahmin Kashi Mutt from Raghavendra Tirtha.
The court dismissed Raghavendra Tirtha's challenge against the Kerala High Court order permitting the substitution of Samyameendra Tirtha as the decree-holder in the execution proceedings.
The dispute relates to the administration and properties of the GSB Kashi Mutt and has continued for decades. The Kerala High Court had held that Samyameendra Tirtha, as the successor Matadhipati, could be substituted in the execution proceedings and continue the process for enforcing the existing decree. Challenging this order, Raghavendra Tirtha approached the Supreme Court. A Bench headed by Justice Aravind Kumar dismissed the petition.
The execution proceedings concern 234 ornaments, silver articles and 27 idols, besides other valuables belonging to the Kashi Mutt, which are stated to be in the possession of Raghavendra Tirtha. The Additional District Court at Tirupati had earlier directed that the articles be returned to the Mutt. The order was subsequently upheld by the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court. The latest Supreme Court order now enables Samyameendra Tirtha, as the substituted decree-holder, to pursue execution of the decree against Raghavendra Tirtha.
The dispute has its roots in the relationship between former Matadhipati Sudheendra Tirtha and his disciple Raghavendra Tirtha. In 1994, Sudheendra Tirtha had handed over certain idols, ornaments and other Mutt articles to Raghavendra Tirtha. Following differences between them, Raghavendra Tirtha was expelled from the Mutt in 2000. This subsequently led to a dispute over the rightful Matadhipati of the Kashi Mutt. The courts ultimately passed orders in favour of Sudheendra Tirtha.
After the samadhi of Sudheendra Tirtha, Samyameendra Tirtha succeeded him as the Matadhipati. As the successor, Samyameendra Tirtha approached the Kerala High Court seeking his substitution as the decree-holder so that he could continue the execution proceedings. The High Court allowed the request, which was challenged by Raghavendra Tirtha before the Supreme Court. Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar and Advocate Lakshmeesh S. Kamath appeared for Samyameendra Tirtha, while Senior Advocate P.B. Krishnan appeared for Raghavendra Tirtha.