20th February 2006 : Endowments Department takeover Notification to Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple.
The Endowments Department issued a notification to the Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple, stating that the appointment of the Board of Trustees will take place on 12th March 2006.

"Maha Shivarathri”, Dr. MV. Soundara Rajan Ji conducted a press meet within the temple premises and issued a bold challenge to the notification from the Endowments Department. He declared, 'Should the Endowments Department proceed with the appointment of the Trust Board on March 12th, 2006, we shall not hand over the Temple to any Political Trust Board. Instead, we will lock the Temple and personally hand over the keys to none other than the Honorable Chief Minister.'

As a devoted follower of Lord Chilkuru Balaji for many years, I have served in the temple and developed a strong bond with it. However, I was deeply saddened by the Endowment Department's notification. In response, I took action to protect the temple by creating the website www.protectchilukurubalajitemple.com.

On this website, I launched an Online Petition addressed to the Supreme Court, President, and Prime Minister of India. The petition requested an exemption for Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple from the Endowment Department and urged to preserve its non-commercial status. Remarkably, the petition garnered over 64,000 signatures from supporters all over the world in just 11 days.

The Endowment Department issued a public notice inviting individuals interested in becoming Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple Trust Board Members to submit their applications.

Dharmasamsthapana with support of volunteers and devotees has flooded 550 applications for Trust Board Membership Applications within 8 hours, to Deputy Commissioner of Endowment Office.

In response to alleged conspiracies by the Endowment Department, Dharmasamsthapana mobilized devotees to actively apply for Trust Board Membership. The motive behind this effort is to ensure that only true devotees with genuine devotion serve the deity and the temple, rather than hiring salaried employees.
Comments from Mass media:

"ProtectChilukuruBalajiTemple.Com (Dharmasamsthapana) members have sent applications to the R.R.Dist. Endowment Department expressing their interest to be appointed as members. But bombarding the endowments department with hundreds of applications will serve another purpose - officials will be so busy with paper work and follow-ups that the idea of forming a trust will be set aside for some time. - Times of India

"NO temple trust has ever received so many applications in the state". Said Endowments Asst. Commissioner, Ranga Reddy Dist. Mr.Vasudevan - Times of India

The protest of devotees against the decision of the Endowments Department to takeover Chilkuru Balaji Temple has gone Hi-tech. The number of signatures on the online campaign is increasing every minute with the devotees from India and abroad responding to the online petition placed on the net by a devotee Mr. Ravi Kishore. - The Hindu

Dharmasamsthapana has campaigned and volunteered the events "Sadhus and Sanths Dharna" was organised by Devalaya Parirakshana Samiti, public meeting held at Dharna Chowk – Indira Park, Hyderabad.

Addressed by

Sri Swaroopanandendra Saraswati Swamy - Pīṭādipati of Vishaka Sri Sarada Peetham, Visakhapatnam.

Sri Paripoornanada Swamy – Pithadipati Sree Peetham

Sri Kamalananda Bharathi Swamy – Hindu Devalaya Prathishtaan

Sri Tiruppavi Kokila Manjula Sri.

Sri Gunampalli Pulla Reddy – President VHP

Sri Dr.M.V. Soundara Rajan ji

"A Symposium "Management of Religious institutions!" Role of Govt. Addressed by Dr.M.V. Soundara Rajan garu - Chief Priest Sri Chilukur Balaji Temple.

"Sarpa digbandhanam" (Binding a Venomous Serpent) - Temple Priests from various parts of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.), united under the banner of A.P. Archaka Samaikhya, staged a 24-hour Dharna (protest) at the Endowments Department office in the city. Their primary demands were to revise the Endowments Acts and the 30/87 legislation.

Dharmsamsthapana played a pivotal role in this movement by actively campaigning and providing volunteer support throughout the entire event, ensuring the arrangement of boarding and lodging for thousands of priests.

In the end, the Priests' agitation concluded with a positive outcome as the Endowment Department agreed to address most of their demands, including the revival of Archaka's salary and welfare schemes.

The devotees of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple have reason to rejoice as the Supreme Court has delivered a favourable judgment in their favour. Sri Soundara Rajan garu, the esteemed Chief Priest of the temple, conveyed his heartfelt blessings and congratulations to Dharmasamstgapana for their tireless efforts in supporting the cause of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple. Speaking from the lobby of the Supreme Court in New Delhi, he expressed gratitude for the court's decision, which came in response to the overwhelming support of the public through an online petition on the website Protectchilukurubalajitemple.com. The petition garnered an impressive 64,000 signatures from devotees all over the world, highlighting the global significance of the temple.

The Supreme Court's ruling was particularly crucial as it pertained to an appeal made by Sri Soundara Rajan ji against the misleading High Court judgment by the Endowments Department, which sought to appoint Trust Board Members to Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The court's ORDER reflected that, after carefully considering the arguments presented by all parties, it had not adequately addressed the petitioner's contention that there was no need for the appointment of a Board of Trustees. The court went on to express its view that the matter of whether there should be a Board of Trustees or not should be left for the state respondent to decide.

Sri Soundara Rajan ji expressed deep gratitude for the court's thoughtful consideration and the unwavering support received from devotees and supporters worldwide throughout this legal battle. The autonomy of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple has been protected, safeguarding its unique traditions and ensuring that the devotees' voices were heard and acknowledged by the highest court of the land. This momentous victory marks a significant milestone in the temple's history, and it stands as an inspiring example of the power of collective efforts in preserving sacred heritage.

In a significant legal development, Sri Dr. Soundara Rajan garu filed an appeal with the R.R. District Court seeking a stay on the formation of the Local Trust Body. The court approved the appeal, acknowledging the validity of the concerns raised by Sri Dr. Soundara Rajan garu and the importance of halting the trust body's establishment pending further review.

However, the actual issuance of the court order faced a delay due to the session court holidays that followed the court's approval of the appeal. As a result, the implementation of the stay order had to wait until the session court resumed its regular proceedings after the holiday period.

This stay order is of utmost significance as it temporarily prevents the formation of the Local Trust Body, allowing more time for careful consideration of the matter. Sri Dr. Soundara Rajan garu's appeal highlights the importance of addressing any potential issues and ensuring that the establishment of the trust body aligns with the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

The period of delay caused by the court holidays may have added to the anticipation surrounding the case, but it also emphasizes the significance of the decision taken by the R.R. District Court. With the stay order now in place, the court has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring a fair and just resolution to the matter at hand.

With divine blessings of Lord Chilukuru Balaji, the Honourable Chief Minister Y.S Rajashekar Reddy garu has graciously accepted the proposal presented by Dr. Soundara Rajan garu. The proposal seeks the Chief Minister's intervention in referring the matter of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple to the Three Member Expert Committee, headed by Sri P.V.R.K. Prasad garu, which has previously dealt with the resolution of the 1000 Pillar Mantapam issue at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

Chief Minister’s decision marks a significant step towards finding a resolution to the matters concerning Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple.

By involving the Three Member Expert Committee, which has a track record of successfully handling temple-related issues, there is hope for a fair and effective solution for the challenges faced by the Chilkuru Balaji Temple.

The cooperation between Dr. Soundara Rajan and the Honourable Chief Minister Y.S Rajashekar Reddy garu in this matter showcases their commitment to preserving and resolving the concerns surrounding the temple, and it reflects the importance they place on addressing the needs and aspirations of the temple's devotees.

It is encouraging to witness such proactive measures being taken to safeguard the temple's interests and traditions, and it highlights the significance of the temple as a cherished place of worship and cultural heritage. The collaboration between temple authorities and government officials is crucial in ensuring the continuous prosperity and spiritual significance of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple.

at 8 -00 am: , a distressing incident unfolded at the Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple, where Endowments Officials forcefully entered the premises to appoint Trust Board Members, accompanied by their supporters. Their actions led to damage to temple security cameras, the microphone system, and even the manhandling of devotees and volunteers.

Despite Dr. Soundararajan ji's presentation of the R.R District Court's stay order and the approval letter from the Honourable Chief Minister for the Expert Three Member Committee, the Endowment officials proceeded to constitute a 6-member Trust Board, driven by their personal motives and special interests.

At that time, smartphones, social networks, and press media were not available to immediately spread the message. Nevertheless, Dharmamsamsthapana volunteers made every effort to disseminate the news across the country, reaching high authorities and influential figures throughout India.

2 - 00 pm: As a result of our relentless struggle, by noon that day, the actions of the Endowments Officials were met with consequences. They were suspended from their duties for disregarding the Court Order and their newly formed 6-member Trust Board was subsequently cancelled.

This victory came as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Dharmamsamsthapana and its volunteers, who worked tirelessly to protect the sanctity of Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple. The suspension of the officials and the annulment of the Trust Board was a significant step towards upholding justice and ensuring that the temple's affairs are managed in accordance with the law and the wishes of its devotees.

The District Court vacated status quo order which was in force till 26th May 2006 for Chilkur Temple. Dr MV Soundararajan have moved the House Motion in the High Court. The Vacation Judge Honourable. Justice Appa Rao gave status quo till 4 weeks. This will prevent the Endowments Dept. from any forcible actions.

Endowment Department always been counterproductive for Hindu Temples, already legally and brazenly robbed maximum of temples and their landed assets, again in the name of land for the landless poor.

May 2006 itself, Hindu Devalaya Parirakshana Samithi led by Swami Kamal Kumar ji and A.P. Archaka Parishad, managed to obtain a stay order from the AP High Court. Prior to moving the court, he visited nearly 90 villages whose temple lands were slated for appropriation and redistribution and persuaded the villagers not to touch the temple lands, and not build houses upon them if allotted by the government. This public pledge helped Sw. Kamal Kumar obtain the stay to save the endowed properties of Hindu temples.
https://arisebharat.com/2008/02/19/andhra-high-court-rebukes-temple-land-grab
https://www.savetemples.org/post/indiramma-temple-land-takeover-stayed/80

Honourable Chief Minister has signed the G.O. to constitute Three Member Expert Committee presided by Sri P.V.R.K. Prasad for Sri Chilukur Balaji Temple.

Presided by

Sri P.V.R.K. Prasad, IAS (Retd.) Former Special Chief Secretary to Govt. of A.P and Former E.O to TTD.

Sri A. Chegappa, IAS (Retd.) Former Commissioner of Endowments

Sri Y. Chakradhar Rao IAS (Retd.) Former Joint Executive Office TTD.

The Three Member Expert Committee has been constituted for the conclusion of Sri Chilukur Balaji Temple issue. The same three-member panel which was constituted by the Andhra Pradesh Government to go into the row over the demolition of the Tirumala `Veyyi Kalla Mandapam’. - http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/20/stories/2004112005360500.htm

After rigorous enquiry of the Committee (for which Dharmsamsthapana assisted) the Three Member Expert Committee has called for “Open Public Opinion Meet”, to know the public interest and opinion “whether, the Temple should continue with same hereditary archaka system or with the Endowment Department.

Public Opinion Meet was scheduled for 3 days 27th to 30th July, but altered for ONE DAY i.e. on 27th July 10 am to 4 pm, later again reduced to half a day - 1 pm to 4 pm. This exhibits the A.P. Govt. & Endowment Department's interest in Public Opinions.

I've requested the Three Member Expert Committee to accept “email – Public Opinions”, as most of our Sri Chilukur Balaji Devotees are blessed by Visa and settled in abroad and around the country, they sure wish to attend Public Opinions Meet in person, but impossible in one day.
Three Member Expert Committee heart fully agreed to my proposal.

Endowment Department knows with the confidence “none would to Public Online on working day, except few hardcore devotees. Deliberately calling Public Opinion on working day motive is to a smaller number of opinions.

Along with few volunteers, Dhartmasamsthapana went on Roads with a Video Camera, requesting people to give their “genuine opinion on Sri Chilkuru Balaji Temple, whether continue with same hereditary archaka system or with the Endowment Department.”

At 8.00 morning we started with temples asking devotees, offices of friends and known people. And to make sure our Opinion Collection is genuine not just with self-interested people, we also approached AUTO-RICKSHAW pullers, fruit sellers, students at college and youth at cinema theatres. We interviewed over 250 people in 12 hours morning 8am to evening 7pm.
Seeing our struggle to Protect Temple, Three Member Expert Committee also agreed to approve Public Opinions by video.

“A.P.Govt and Endowments Dept. just gave 3 hours’ time for Public Opinions, just 3 hours.”

It may be either my avenge on Endowment Department for trying to commercialise Sri Chilukur Balaji Temple or it may be my heartburn for the pain they caused to Dr. MV Soundararajan at the age of 70 years.

We got unbelievable tremendous response over 3000 "Online Opinions" from all around the WORLD with in 24 hours. Form the most Eminent People and Hindu Organizations they also sent their comments and suggestions to the Committee.

All 3000 emails got printed with binding in bundles and 250 Video opinions without any alterations submitted to Three Members Expert Committee.

Sri PVRK Prasad garu commented his blessings, “as IAS officer I have witnessed and experienced many Enquires, queries, public interested litigations and more but I have seen One Person taking so much of interest for dedicating time and efforts and resigning Job for a Temple is my first experience. Hope Lord Balaji must watch you and bless you.

Finally, the state government has issued orders granting full autonomy to the Sri Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The G.O. No.260 dated February 29, based on the recommendations of the P.V.R.K.Prasad Committee, has stated that "The unique practice of worship which has evolved in the temple be honoured, preserved and continued, i.e running the temple without 'Hundi', special 'Arjita Sevas', no special privileges for VIPs and no cash offerings."

Sri Chilukur Balaji Temple has been exempted the from Sec.15 (Constitution of temple trust board) and Sec.29 (Appointment of executive officer) of the Endowments Act.