Madras HC: No stay order in appointment of new pontiff to Srirangam mutt

Chennai: Observing that it is high time for secular courts to refrain from interfering with the religious practices, the Madras high court has declined to stay the appointment of new pontiff to Srirangam mutt in Mylapore.

A division bench comprising Justices V. Parthiban and Krishnan Ramasamy made the observation orally on Saturday while hearing a Public Interest Litigation against the appointment of Yamunachariyar as the 12th pontiff of Srirangam Srimath Andavan Ashram.

In his PIL, S. Venkata Varadhan, a follower of the mutt, submitted that the appointment of Yamunachariyar was in violation of the Will executed by late 11th pontiff Srimath Srimushnam Andavan and the general customs of the mutt.

He sought to stay the ashrama sweekaram and pattabhisheka utsavam, scheduled to be held on October 20 and 21.

Declining to entertain the plea, the bench said when lakhs of devotees were eagerly waiting for the ceremony, it cannot be stalled at the instance of a follower. The bench posted after two weeks, for filing response by the mutt and HR & CE.