Ramphal Singh v. Deputy Commissioner Karnal Others
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP-17645-2026 Date of Decision: 27.05.2026 RAMPHAL SINGH
...Petitioner
Vs.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KARNAL & OTHERS
...Respondents
CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Mr. S.S. Nain, Advocate and Mr. Tanya Vashist, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Svaneel Jaswal, Addl. A.G. Haryana *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.
The petitioner through instant petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondent No.1Deputy Commission, Karnal to decide his representations dated 08.07.2025 and 28.04.2026 as well as to consider inquiry report dated 03.12.2025 submitted by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Assandh. He is further seeking direction to respondent No.1 to take action on the basis of inquiry report dated 12.03.2026 against respondent No.3-Prachin Sitamai Mandir Sewa Samiti, Karnal and its office bearers. He is also seeking direction to respondent No.1 to ensure proper protection, management and maintenance of Mandir Mata Sitaji ('Temple') property. 2.
The petitioner is a public spirited person. The erstwhile Mahant of Temple was ousted and respondent No.1-SDM, Karnal was entrusted with management of Temple property and accounts vide judgment and decree dated 04.02.2004 passed by Ld. Civil Judge, Karnal. The Ld. Additional District Judge, Karnal vide judgement and decree DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.05.27 15:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment
CWP-17645-2026 -2dated 23.01.2007 directed respondent No.1 to constitute a committee from amongst the inhabitants of the village Sitamai. The aforesaid judgments were assailed before this Court vide RSA-3540-2007 wherein this Court vide order dated 21.12.2007 directed to maintain status quo regarding possession of the Temple. The Deputy Commissioner vide order dated 19.05.2021 constituted Prachin Sitamai Mandir Sewa Samiti, Karnal ('Committee') for the management of Temple property and accounts. The petitioner filed complaint dated 08.07.2025 before Deputy Commissioner highlighting the mismanagement by Committee pursuant to which he directed SDM, Assandh to inquire into the matter who vide inquiry report dated 13.12.2025 substantiated the allegations. Despite the report of SDM as well as a spate of representations by the petitioner, no action has been initiated till date.
3.
Learned State Counsel, on instructions from Mr. Anand Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Karnal, submits that jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner would look into the matter and do the needful within six weeks from today.
4.
Learned counsel for the petitioner agrees to the aforesaid arrangement.
5.
In the wake of statement of both sides, the petition stands disposed of. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on merits of the case.
6.
Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE May 27, 2026 Deepak DPA Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.05.27 15:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment