Andhra Pradesh High Court quashes order to merge Gandi temple into TTD fold

Tirupati: In a setback to the government plans, Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday quashed GO No. 347 issued by the state government directing the TTD to take over the administrative control of Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy temple at Gandi in Kadapa district.

The Court gave the orders in response to a writ petition by Rayalaseema Porata Samithi convener P Naveen Kumar Reddy of Tirupati who appealed the court to stall the takeover stating that the move was meant to divert TTD funds.

Sources in the TTD said that a team of officials led by estate officer L. Vijayasarathi reached Gandi temple in Kadapa and took formal possession of the temple even as the case came up for hearing on Wednesday.

P. Guru Prasad, assistant commissioner of endowments, handed over the documents pertaining to deposits of Gandi shrine to the extent of `4.33 crore besides 900 grams of gold and 100 kg silver.

The High Court quashed the GO issued by the government before TTD attempt to complete the takeover process.

Speaking to this newspaper on Thursday, the petitioner P. Naveen Kumar Reddy said he would file a contempt petition against the TTD which attempted to take over Gandi temple in a hurry knowing fully well about the hearing underway in the court.

Hailing the court verdict as a victory for Lord Venkateswara devotees, he found fault with the GO issued by the government stressing that it is a clear attempt to divert TTD funds.

Mr Naveen Kumar questioned the rational behind the move without TD board approval or endowment department recommendation.

Mr Naveen Kumar alleged that the government had issued the GO on its own though there is no dearth for funds to Gandi temple which is self sufficient in all respects.