TempleCommittee – Uttarakhand High Court Seeks BKTC Response in Badrinath Donation Dispute
TempleCommittee – A legal challenge related to an alleged donation misappropriation case at the Badrinath temple has reached the Uttarakhand High Court after a suspended employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) questioned both the disciplinary action taken against him and the criminal case filed in connection with the matter. The court has now directed the temple committee to submit its response before the next hearing, scheduled for July 16.
High Court Examines Suspension and FIR Challenge
The petition has been filed by Pramod Nautiyal, who was suspended following allegations that money offered by devotees at the Badrinath shrine was improperly removed during the counting process. Along with contesting the suspension order, Nautiyal has also sought relief against the First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case.
During the hearing, Justice Alok Mehra, sitting as a single judge, asked the temple committee to place its stand before the court. The matter has been posted for further consideration later this month, when the committee is expected to explain the circumstances that led to the disciplinary action and subsequent police complaint.
Inquiry Began After Allegations During Donation Counting
The controversy originated after the BKTC reportedly received information on July 2 about suspected financial discrepancies during the counting of offerings placed by devotees in ceremonial plates, commonly known as thali bhent. Following these inputs, the committee initiated an internal investigation under the directions of its chairman.
A departmental inquiry panel was formed to examine the allegations. According to its preliminary findings, Nautiyal allegedly removed cash from the counting area during a short period between 9:00 am and 9:30 am. Based on the initial assessment, the temple committee suspended him pending further investigation.
Police Case Registered After Official Complaint
After the preliminary inquiry, Badrinath temple officer-in-charge Yudhveer Pushpwan submitted a written complaint to the police. Acting on the complaint, authorities registered an FIR to investigate the alleged financial misconduct.
The police investigation is proceeding alongside the departmental inquiry, with both processes expected to determine whether any criminal or administrative liability can be established. Officials have not announced any final conclusions, and the matter remains under investigation.
Public Allegations Intensified the Controversy
The issue gained wider public attention after Bhairav Sena founder Sandeep Khatri publicly claimed that he had received information indicating that donations made by pilgrims at the Badrinath temple were being misappropriated. His statements led to increased public scrutiny and intensified debate over the handling of temple offerings.
As the allegations became a major public issue, the temple committee expanded its response by establishing a four-member inquiry committee headed under the directions of BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi. The objective was to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the reported irregularities and recommend further action based on the evidence collected.
State Government Orders Separate Investigation
With political attention growing around the matter, the Uttarakhand government also decided to initiate an independent review. A separate three-member high-level committee was constituted to conduct its own investigation into the allegations concerning the handling of devotees’ donations.
The government’s move was aimed at ensuring an impartial assessment alongside the temple committee’s internal inquiry. Both investigations are expected to function independently while examining the available records, statements and evidence connected with the alleged incident.
Committee Response Awaited Before Next Hearing
The immediate focus now shifts to the Uttarakhand High Court, where the BKTC is expected to submit its detailed response explaining the reasons behind Nautiyal’s suspension and the actions taken after the inquiry began.
The outcome of the court proceedings, along with the findings of both the departmental and government-appointed inquiry panels, will determine the future course of the case. Until then, the allegations remain under investigation, and no judicial determination has been made regarding the claims.