Madras High Court: Compares Srirangam Pontiff Appointment to Papal Election

The Madras High Court recently drew parallels between the election of the Pope and the appointment of the Srirangam temple's pontiff while ordering that the post which has remained vacant since 2018 be filled within six months [Veera Raghavan Vs State of TN]. A division bench of Justices GR Swaminathan and P Murugan observed that those responsible for selecting the pontiff should remain inside the Mutt until a successor is chosen. "Just as the Cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel and the doors are opened only when the white smoke emanates from the chimney indicating the selection of the Pope, the Sthalattars should be locked inside the Mutt premises and allowed to come out only after resolving the issue," said the Court. Justice GR Swaminathan, Justice P Murugan The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by S Veeraraghavan, a devotee belonging to the Sri Vaishnava Tenkalai sect, seeking the appointment of a successor to the Sriranganarayana Jeeyar. The bench noted that the Jeeyars' lineage dates to the 12th century. Sri Ramanujacharya had devised an elaborate system for administering the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, with the Jeeyar occupying an apex position. Apart from performing spiritual functions, the Jeeyar exercises administrative responsibilities and acts as a neutral arbiter to ensure compliance with the Agamas. The 50th Jeeyar, who assumed office in 1989, died in 2018 without nominating a successor. Under the Mutt's customs, th

Source: Original reporting via Bar and Bench