PIL alleges irregularities in Mansa Devi Shrine Board,HC issues notices

As per Section 9 of the Act,a minimum of five members are required to complete the quorum in the meetings of the board. The PIL reads: “The four official members being insufficient to complete the quorum,the strategy adopted by the board so far has been to allow participation of some government officials in its meetings,under the garb of “special invitees”,to show completion of quorum,thereby throwing dust in the eyes of devotees”.

The petitioner has also referred to sale of gold coins and pendants by the board alleging that in the absence of nominated members,the government has failed to protect the interest of the devotees.

In 2003,the petitioner has stated,the board decided to sell gold coins and pendants at fixed rates despite the volatility in the market. “Resultantly,between December 2005 and January 2006,there was a spurt in the prices of gold,while the board sold the coins and pendants in bulk causing huge loss to the board,” the petitioner alleged.

The petitioner has thus demanded a vigilance inquiry into the irregularities of the board.