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HC notice to SMVDSB in PIL on 'commercialisation of worship' 5/27/2016 11:14:06 PM Early Times Report Jammu, May 27: A high court division bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice B S Walia today issued notice to the chief executive officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and others in a PIL on 'commercialisation of worship at the holy cave shrine of the goddess'. The PIL has sought quashment of the May 31, 2008 order No SMVDSB/CEO/ST/152-159 and the March 11, 2008 order No 569/SB and direction to respondents to take immediate steps for modifying of these orders whereby SMVDSB has fixed price for devotees to attend and perform holy Aarti. The petitioner submitted that religious sentiments, spiritual emotions and conviction of crore of devotees had been shaken due to the impugned act which had led to the commercialisation of worship at the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi due. A price has been fixed for devotees who desire to become part of two Aartis being performed outside and inside the holy cave shrine. "Aarti at two intervals in 24 hours is performed at the holy cave and only those devotees who can pay the exorbitant price fixed by respondents can participate and those, who do not have such huge amount to pay, are not even allowed to see the Aarti. Neither Constitution of India nor any law empowers respondents to fix the price for devotees to attend and perform Aarti. It is a settled position of law that authorities can prescribe regulations for any public cause provided there is an enabling provision under the relevant statute. SMVDSB Act nowhere specifies that the authorities administering provisions of the said Act and rules framed thereunder can commercialise worship or prescribe any fee or charges for Aarti," he said. After hearing the petitioner in person, the bench issued notice to the SMVDSB CEO.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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