Date:26/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/26/stories/2005092619700100.htm

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August 24 letter on Krishna mutt withdrawn

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said on Sunday that the Government has withdrawn its August 24 letter, in which it communicated to the Udupi Deputy Commissioner to desist from appealing against the 2003 interim order passed by the Udupi civil court restraining the Government from interfering in the administration of the Sri Krishna Mutt.

Mr. Patil told presspersons that an Under Secretary in the Law Department had sent the communication to the Deputy Commissioner without bringing it to the notice of the Law Secretary. Law Secretary Robinson D'Souza has been asked to conduct an inquiry and initiate action against the official concerned.

This damage control exercise has become necessary since Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt has ranged himself against the Government on the issue of acquisition of the 13th century mutt. Mr. Patil said that an earlier letter, written on April 28 2005, which clearly states the Government's stand as conveyed by the Revenue Department on the issue, holds good. That is a communication to the court justifying the plans to take over the mutt administration.