The Telangana High Court has refused to halt the proposed public auction of agricultural land belonging to Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple at Donabanda village in Mancherial district. Justice GM Mohiuddin observed that the petitioner was free to participate in the auction process if he wished to continue cultivating the property.
The order came while hearing a writ petition filed by Polasa Srisailam, hereditary archaka and single trustee of the temple, challenging the auction notification dated May 5, 2026. The auction pertains to the grant of tenancy rights over 15.14 acres of temple land for one year from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Petitioner argued his family constructed the temple over a century ago, and he inherited trusteeship and archakaship. He contended that in the absence of the executive officer, the mandal in charge lacked jurisdiction to conduct the auction. He relied on a 2010 certificate under Section 43 of the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987, claiming the Endowments department recognised his rights.
He alleged the auction was arbitrary, illegal, and violative of due process, asserting it would deprive him of livelihood and affect temple rituals performed with income from land cultivation.
Government Pleader for Endowments argued the Section 43 certificate merely recorded existing particulars and did not confer hereditary or tenancy rights. Temple properties vested in the deity and institution, while the archaka was only a servant of the deity, not a landowner. State-maintained public auction ensures transparency and maximises revenue for temple administration.
Finding no grounds to grant interim relief, the court declined to stay the auction and posted the matter to June 12.
This ruling balances temple property rights with hereditary priest claims under Sanatana Dharma governance.
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