Priests who hold positions of trust duty-bound to preserve dignity & sanctity of religious institutions: HC

Dehradun: Conduct of priests and standards expected of those in spiritual authority came under sharp scrutiny in Uttarakhand high court (HC) recently while hearing the case of a woman who was the live-in partner of a married head priest of a prominent ‘math', the 8th century Chandi Devi Mandir in Haridwar.The HC observed on Wed: "Priests who hold positions of trust are duty-bound to preserve the dignity and sanctity of religious institutions. Any behaviour falling short of these standards, not only undermines public faith but also damages the image of places of worship."
The observations were made while the court heard an anticipatory bail plea filed by Reena Bisht, the live-in partner of Rohit Giri, head priest of the ancient math. On May 21 last year, Giri's wife, Geetanjali, filed a case against her husband, Bisht, and seven others, alleging that Bisht tried to run over their son with a car. Coincidentally, on the same day, Giri was arrested by Punjab Police in a separate molestation case. He is currently out on bail in that matter.Later on June 25, the HC directed the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to appoint a receiver to oversee the temple's management during the ongoing investigation. Giri challenged this order in the Supreme Court (SC), and the apex court on Aug 19 sent the case back to HC for expedited proceedings. It also ordered the Haridwar district magistrate (DM) to conduct a personal inquiry into the math's management.The DM was further directed to focus on the "best interests of the math and its devotees and submit a report to the HC".During the hearing, additional govt advocate stated that Giri was not cooperating with the investigation. Notably, the HC had granted him protection on the condition that he should cooperate. Giri's lawyer later assured that he would participate in the investigation.Petitions were jointly heard on Feb 18 by a single bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal. The HC listed the case for further hearing on Feb 26, directing the BKTC to submit an updated report by that time, in accordance with the SC directions.