Former District & Sessions Judge Suresh Sharma takes over charge
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has appointed retired District and Sessions Judge Suresh Sharma as Commissioner-cum-Receiver for Dewan Mandir, Pacca Danga, Jammu, directing him to take full charge of the temple’s administration, properties, and financial assets.
The decision came while hearing OWP No. 166/2006, filed through K. S. Johal, Sr. Advocate with Supreet Singh Johal, Advocate, R. K. Jain, Sr. Advocate with Mohit Jain, Advocate on behalf of Deity Shri Laxmi Narayan Ji Maharaj, highlighting long-standing mismanagement and deterioration of temple affairs.
After listening to U. K. Jalali, Sr. Advocate with Shivani Jalali, Advocate and Adarsh Sharma, Advocate in the behalf of State of J&K and others, Justice Rahul Bharti, while passing the order on November 24, 2025, emphasized that a Hindu deity is treated as a “perpetual minor” in law and must be protected by courts when those responsible fail to safeguard temple assets.
The Court observed that Dewan Mandir-one of the most historic and spacious temples in Jammu-had suffered neglect, unauthorized occupation, and confusion among successors of the original Pujaris, who had mistakenly assumed ownership rights over temple property.
The Court noted that Rs 1,00,17,282, deposited by Jammu Development Authority (JDA) in 2007 as compensation for six Kanals of temple land used for the Kacchi Chawni parking space, shall remain a dedicated corpus for the temple’s development. It was made clear that none of the successors of the former mohtamim/pujari lineage are entitled to any portion of this amount.
As Commissioner-cum-Receiver, Suresh Sharma has been empowered to manage all temple affairs, maintain accounts, utilize the deposited funds for renovation and upkeep, remove unauthorized encroachments, and co-opt competent persons to assist him.
The Court also directed JDA, JMC, the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, and SSP Jammu to extend full cooperation, warning that any failure to assist would amount to interference in the administration of justice.
The Receiver has been ordered to prepare and submit a detailed report on the temple’s condition and management within one month. The matter will be listed again on December 30, 2025.