Legal Battle Rages: Brahmo Samaj vs. Ramakrishna Mission

In the serene hills of Shimla, a legal storm brews, pitting two venerable institutions against each other in a battle for property rights. 

At the heart of the dispute lies a parcel of land owned by the esteemed Brahmo Samaj, a religious and social reform movement founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the early 19th century. Their claim to the land is contested by members of the Ramakrishna Mission, another prominent religious organization inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.

The conflict came to a head when the Himachal Pradesh High Court issued orders on May 2, 2024, and May 6, 2024, directing the Municipal Corporation to demolish illegal constructions on the Brahmo Samaj’s property. 

These constructions, allegedly carried out without proper authorization, have become the focal point of a legal saga that spans multiple jurisdictions and courts.

Amidst the legal tumult, a group of aggrieved Brahmo Samaj followers and trustees launched an intervention petition on Thursday. Led by Surender Sharma, Nanak Chand, Shashi Bhushan Pyare Lal, they seek to overturn an order issued by Justice Sandeep Sharma on May 6, 2024.

 This order, they argue, unfairly targeted them without affording them the opportunity to present their side of the story. They contend that they should be included as parties in the ongoing dispute over the property.

The crux of their argument lies in the alleged interference by members of the Ramakrishna Mission, namely Lalit Verma and Swami Tanmahimanand, who they claim have been barred by the Supreme Court from meddling in Brahmo Samaj’s affairs.

 This contention adds a layer of complexity to an already intricate legal battle, with both sides trading accusations of ulterior motives and attempts to unlawfully seize prime property near the Accountant General’s office in Shimla.

As the legal wrangling continues, the courts are faced with the daunting task of unraveling a tangled web of claims and counterclaims. 

The upcoming hearing on May 16, 2024, will provide an opportunity for the trustees of Brahmo Samaj to present their case and challenge the validity of previous court orders. 

Meanwhile, Rajinder Sharma, counsel for the affected party, remains steadfast in his assertion that Lalit Verma and Swami Tanmahimanand have no legal standing in the matter, citing the Supreme Court’s restraint against their involvement in the proceedings.

In the midst of this legal maelstrom, a dramatic twist unfolded when former DGP Sanjay Kundu entered the fray, adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted dispute. On August 14, 2021, Kundu, accompanied by a contingent of police personnel and administrative officials, descended upon the disputed property.

In the Intervention application the the affected parties accused Mr. Kundu, in a brazen display of authority, Openly supporting Swami Tanmahimanand to instigate the legal turmoil between the parties.

Following the altercation, the Advocate Council of the High Court swiftly moved to demand action against Kundu for his perceived overreach. 

A resolution was passed by High court bar association on August 24, 2021, calling for accountability and redress for the alleged abuse of power. 

However, despite these efforts, no concrete action was taken, leaving Brahmo Samaj’s trustees and supporters feeling disillusioned and vulnerable.

The specter of intimidation looms large over the trustees and their families, as they find themselves ensnared in a legal quagmire fraught with uncertainty and peril.

 Reports have surfaced of veiled threats and harassment directed towards the family members of trustees, fueling suspicions of a concerted effort to coerce them into relinquishing their claim to the prized property.