HC nullifies appt of Galta Peeth Mahant

Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court on Monday nullified the appointment of Mahant Avdheshacharya of Jaipur’s renowned Galta Peeth Tirtha.

The single judge bench of Justice Sameer Jain delivered verdict while disposing of the appeals filed by Avdheshacharya and others. In addition to annulling Avdheshacharya’s appointment, the court directed the state government to assume control of the Peeth and restore its status to that of 1943. Furthermore, court nullified all previous sales of Galta Peeth properties. Mahant Avdheshacharya, along with his mother and others, had challenged the Devasthan Commissioner’s order in HC.

Following a hearing that concluded on February 22, the court reserved its decision and announced its verdict today. The court categorically stated that Avdheshacharya holds the position of Mahant as self-proclaimed, asserting that his appointment is entirely illegal. Previously, Avdheshacharya’s father, Ramodacharya, had been appointed as Mahant by the erstwhile Jaipur State, and upon his demise, only the state government retained the authority to appoint a successor. Thus, Avdheshacharya’s appointment was deemed illegitimate by the court. Additional Advocate General Basant Singh Chhapa said that the High Court instructed the government to take over Galta Peeth and its associated properties. Recognizing the deep public sentiment connected to Galta Peeth, the court recommended that the government develop it similar to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Mahakal temple in Ujjain.