The Thirupathi Umbrella Charities, v. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,

HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE T.SUNIL CHOWDARY WRIT PETITION No.26258 of 2015 ORDER:

1 This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the Respondent in not following the religious custom and tradition relating to the presentation and receiving of sacred Umbrellas with Istikapal honours to adorn Lord Venkateswaraswamy during the procession on the fifth day of Annual Brahmostavams, as illegal and arbitrary and consequently direct the Respondent to permit the Petitioner to present the Umbrellas to Lord Venkateswara during the ensuing Brahmotsavam in accordance with the age old custom and tradition.

2 Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned standing counsel for Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams. 3 At the time of arguments, the learned counsel for the petitioner requested the Court to direct the respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner. The learned standing counsel for Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams also consented for the same. 4 In view of the submissions made by the counsel for both the parties, this Court is not inclined to go into the merits of the main case. 5 Having regard to the submissions made by the counsel for both the parties, the petitioner is at liberty to make a representation to the Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. On such representation being made by the petitioner, the Executive Officer may place the same before the concerned committee and the Committee is at liberty to take appropriate decision thereon, in accordance with the procedure, as expeditiously as possible.

6 With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No order as to costs. Miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending in this writ petition shall stand closed.

_________________________

T. SUNIL CHOWDARY, J Date: 16th August, 2016 Kvsn