In a move to ensure transparency and order in the management of the Oachira Parabrahma Temple, the Supreme Court has appointed retired Kerala High Court Judge Justice K Ramakrishnan as the temple’s administrator. This decision was announced on Tuesday by a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and R Mahadevan, who emphasized the temple’s “unique, ancient, and historical” status and the need for its careful preservation.
Justice Ramakrishnan is tasked with overseeing the temple’s election process, a critical component of which will be finalizing and publishing a voters’ list to ensure a fair electoral process. He is expected to complete the election process within four months, adhering strictly to the temple’s bye-laws.
The Supreme Court has authorized Justice Ramakrishnan to appoint additional personnel, including a retired district judge and an advocate, to assist in this task. The compensation for these roles will be funded by the temple, with the administrator receiving Rs 2 lakh per month and his assistants receiving Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively.
The directive follows a long-standing dispute over the temple’s administration, which dates back to a 2006 lawsuit filed by devotees in the Kollam district court seeking a structured administrative scheme. This led to various appeals, culminating in the Supreme Court’s intervention.
The Oachira Temple is noted for its expansive grounds covering 21.25 acres and the absence of a consecrated idol, making it unique among India’s religious sites. It also manages significant public institutions, including a hospital and educational facilities, adding layers of complexity to its administration.
