The Bombay High Court has directed the removal of Manil Kumar Lokwani, the ex-officio chairman of the Shri Kalaram Temple Trust Board in Nashik. Lokwani, who serves as the Additional District Judge, was heading the trust of the ancient and revered Kalaram Temple. The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute over the stoppage of funds meant for temple priests.
The issue began in 2019 when the trust discontinued the monthly nevaidya (offering) allowance given to the temple priests (pujadhikaris). The amount, which had gradually increased from Rs 11,000 in 2002 to Rs 21,000 by 2014, was abruptly stopped. The priests, who play a key role in the daily worship rituals by offering food to Lord Ram, were left without this crucial support.
After receiving no relief from the Charity Commissioner, who ruled against them, the priests approached the High Court seeking justice. During the proceedings, a compromise meeting was supposed to be held under the chairman's supervision. However, the court observed that no progress was made, and the trustees claimed they were unaware of any new chairman being appointed.
A division bench of Justices G. S. Kulkarni and Aditya Sethna took serious note of the lack of action and ordered the District Court to appoint a new judicial officer as the chairman of the Kalaram Temple Trust Board.
In the meantime, the High Court has directed that the pending nevaidya amount, along with 12% interest, be deposited in court by the trust. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of temple traditions and the accountability of trust officials in maintaining the religious and cultural heritage of Nashik.