Telangana High Court Issues Notices Over Constitution of Yadagirigutta Temple Trust Board

The Telangana High Court has issued notices to the state government, the Chairman, and members of the newly constituted Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Trust Board over petitions challenging its constitution. The court directed the Principal Secretary of the Endowments Department, the Endowments Commissioner, the Temple Executive Officer, the Chairman, board members, the Chief Secretary, the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District Collector, the YTDA Vice-Chairman, and the temple's chief priest to file detailed counter affidavits.

The petitions, filed by Nagilla Srinivas and hereditary trustee Bhaskarayani Narasimhmurthy, challenge the amendments made to the Endowments Act and Government Order (GO) No. 392 constituting the Trust Board. The petitioners argued that the inclusion of new provisions enabling trust boards for temples with annual revenues exceeding ₹100 crore is unconstitutional. They also contended that appointing a hereditary trustee as an ordinary member violates Supreme Court guidelines and constitutional protections relating to the autonomy and religious administration of Hindu temples. After hearing the arguments, the High Court adjourned the matter for further proceedings.