Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh has launched a sharp attack on the Madhya Pradesh government, accusing it of planning to auction land belonging to Hindu temples across the state. Singh claimed this move directly violates clear directives from the Supreme Court.
Allegations of Unconstitutional Action
Speaking to reporters in Bhopal on Thursday, the former chief minister presented a detailed chronology of events. He stated that the state government, through an order issued on April 22, 2023, instructed authorities to auction over 10 acres of 'Maafi' land attached to various temples. Based on this order, notices are reportedly being dispatched to priests statewide.
Singh provided a specific instance, revealing that Shri Pradyumna Das, the priest of the Shri Ram Janaki Temple in Kyapur village, Aron tehsil of Guna district, has already received one such notice concerning the auction of his temple's land.
Supreme Court's Stance and Alleged Violation
The Congress leader emphasized that the matter is not new to the judiciary. He pointed out that the Madhya Pradesh Priest Upliftment and Welfare Committee had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, which the apex court has accepted for hearing.
More critically, Singh cited an earlier Supreme Court order dated September 6, 2021 (Civil Appeal No. 4850/2021). He stated that the court had explicitly ruled that land registered in the name of a deity cannot be auctioned. Furthermore, such land cannot be registered in the name of the district collector or the state government.
"Despite this court direction, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to auction the land belonging to priests performing services and worship in temples is completely unconstitutional, illegal, and an insult to Sanatan traditions," Singh argued vehemently.
Livelihood and Legal Rights at Stake
Digvijaya Singh elaborated on the nature and use of the disputed land. He clarified that this 'Maafi' land is not government-granted property. Instead, it is registered in the revenue records under the names of the deities themselves.
The priests utilize this land for conducting worship, religious ceremonies, and crucially, for maintaining their families' livelihoods. Therefore, Singh maintained that the state government possesses neither the moral authority nor the legal right to seize or auction it.
He also referenced a subsequent order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court dated October 11, 2023 (Writ Petition No. 20819/2023), which he said clearly directed the state government to comply with the Supreme Court's orders.
In a pointed political remark, Singh questioned the ruling party's stance, saying, "The same government that claims to be the protector of Sanatan culture is today directly attacking the livelihoods of temples and priests." He concluded by asserting that initiating the auction process constitutes a clear violation of the Supreme Court's orders, setting the stage for a significant legal and political confrontation.
