In a significant ruling concerning the administration of religious institutions, the Supreme Court has set aside the removal of Arjun Dass as the Mathadhipati (Mahant) of Sri Swamy Hathiramji Mutt in Tirupati. The Court held that the proceedings leading to his removal were conducted in violation of the principles of natural justice and failed to provide him a meaningful opportunity to defend himself.
A bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar delivered the judgment while allowing Arjun Dass's appeal against orders passed by the Andhra Pradesh Dharmika Parishad, the State Government, and the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Background of the Case
Arjun Dass has been associated with the Hathiramji Mutt since 1970 and was formally appointed as its Mahant in 2000. Over the years, several disputes arose between him and the Endowments Department regarding the management of the Mutt and its properties.
In June 2023, the Dharmika Parishad framed multiple charges against him, suspended him from office, and appointed a Fit Person to manage the institution. Following an inquiry, the Parishad concluded that the charges stood proved and ordered his removal in November 2023. The Andhra Pradesh Government subsequently confirmed that decision, while the High Court upheld the action in May 2025.
Arjun Dass then approached the Supreme Court.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court found serious procedural flaws in the inquiry process.
The bench noted that the charge memo ran into 27 pages and was supported by 29 documents exceeding 600 pages. However, these documents were never properly supplied to the Mahant before the inquiry.
“The opportunity of hearing should be real and cannot be abstract,” the Court observed while emphasizing that a person facing serious allegations must receive all material relied upon against him.
The Court rejected the authorities' argument that service of documents had been completed by affixing notices on the door of the Mutt premises. It pointed out that the authorities had already taken possession of the premises, making such service ineffective.
The judgment also recorded that Arjun Dass repeatedly sought copies of the relied-upon documents and requested time to submit his defence. Those requests, the Court said, were ignored.
Another concern highlighted by the bench was the composition of the inquiry committee. The Court observed that members of the same body which had earlier resolved to initiate action against the Mahant later participated in the inquiry process, creating a reasonable apprehension of bias.
Summarising its findings, the Court said the removal proceedings were affected by “multiple violations of the principles of natural justice.”
Decision
Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court set aside the Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment dated May 9, 2025, the removal order issued by the Dharmika Parishad on November 24, 2023, the State Government’s confirmation order dated December 8, 2023, the consequential order dated January 19, 2024, and the inquiry report on which those actions were based.
Instead of remanding the matter to the Dharmika Parishad, the Court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution and appointed retired District Judge Boddepalli Rama Rao as a one-member independent inquiry committee.
The Court directed that a fresh inquiry be conducted after supplying all relevant documents to Arjun Dass and providing him adequate opportunity to present his defence, examine evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and participate fully in the proceedings in accordance with the principles of natural justice.
Case Details
Case Title: Arjun Dass v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.
Case Number: Civil Appeal arising out of SLP (Civil) No. 38500 of 2025
Judge: Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar
Decision Date: May 29, 2026
