BANGALORE: The High Court on Tuesday restrained Mumbai Iskcon from removing Madhu Pandit Dasa and other office bearers of its branch in Bangalore for six weeks by invoking the by-laws.
A division bench comprising Justice Nagmohan Das and Justice Harali Nagaraj, while refusing to give a stay to its order declaring Mumbai Iskcon as the absolute owner of Iskcon Bangalore Temple, observed, "We have already observed that it is devotees' property that is donated to Mumbai Iskcon and have stated that you are entitled to continue as president of the branch."
The bench also directed Mumbai Iskcon not to retrench the employees of Iskcon temple after it takes control of the branch.
Earlier, Iskcon Bangalore in its application for stay had contended that it has a right to appeal and right to approach the Supreme Court and it needs some breathing time to do that. The temple was in its control for more than 30 years and had been administering its affairs. Around 375 employees have been employed to administer the affairs of the temple and it is paying Rs 2 crore as salaries and Rs 15 lakh towards their ESI every month.
The society also has to settle bills worth Rs 50 lakh. If all these things are settled the reputation of the society and the individuals heading it will be affected. Bangalore Iskcon had sought a stay to the High Court's order for 90 days.
Mumbai Iskcon's counsel submitted before the court that they will not be retrenching the employees of the temple.