ANJALI BHARGAWA Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The case of the petitioner is that respondent no. 4 is organizing the Nanda Devi Mela, however, proceed whereof has not been given to Nagar Palika, Nainital. Petitioner also submits that there is no involvement of District Administration in organizing the Mela.

(2.) It is evident that the religious Nanda Devi Mela is organized and performed at The Flats. Said area belongs to the State Government but the mela is organized under the sole control of Mandir Samiti and the entire income from allotment of shops and offerings and donations made by the pilgrims goes in the hands of respondent no.4 and it is not known where this money is used. It is not the case of respondent no.4 that respondent no.4 has got no income to maintain the temple. We are of the view that the Mela should be run and controlled by the district administration with the assistance of respondent no.4 and the money generated from the mela should be utilized for other purposes also, except beautification and management of Nanda Devi Temple.

(3.) Taking into consideration the importance of religious Mela, we order that the District Magistrate, Nainital shall supervise the entire process of allotment of shops/Kiosks, fixing the rates thereof and shall utilize the funds collected from the allotment of shops/kiosks for beautification and better management of Nanda Devi Temple and also for providing facilities to the pilgrims/devotees in or around the temple.