Karnataka HC junks PIL seeking formulation of guidelines for Udupi Paryaya

Team Udayavani, Jan 8, 2024, 5:59 PM IST

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court, on Monday,  dismissed a petition seeking directions to the government to establish guidelines for the Paryaya celebrations of Udupi.

The Public Interest Litigation sought the formation of a committee to draft guidelines or bylaws for the Paryaya celebrations. However, the High Court bench, led by Chief Justice Prasanna Balachandra Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit, refused to intervene in the matter and dismissed the petition.

The petition was filed by Gururaj Jeevan Rao, a devotee of the Mathas of Udupi.

What’s wrong if Seer travelled overseas? asks HC

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the upcoming Udupi Paryaya 2024, which is scheduled to be held on January 18, citing objections based on the overseas travel of Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puthige Matha.

The petitioner had claimed that the Madhva tradition prohibits yatis from traveling abroad, a rule rooted in past doctrines. Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji  had ventured overseas decades ago, establishing numerous Krishna temples abroad.

To this, the division bench posed a crucial question: “What is wrong if a seer travelled overseas to disseminate knowledge?”

Referencing Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s verse ‘O Nanna Chetana, Agu Ne Aniketana’, the court emphasized the value of exploring beyond physical boundaries over material possessions. Ultimately, the court dismissed the PIL, asserting non-interference in religious practices.

Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada welcomes HC’s stance

Sri Sugunendra Theertha welcomed the court’s stance, expressing gratitude for the judiciary’s decision to refrain from intervening in religious matters. He underlined the universality of spiritual beliefs, advocating for the transcendence of religious boundaries and the dissemination of virtuous ideas worldwide.

“Religion should not be confined by physical boundaries and restrictions. Let good and noble thoughts and virtues permeate the world being restricted without barriers,” Sri Sugunendra Theertha Sripada remarked.