The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside the Karnataka High Court’s decision that had declared the historic Yellamma Devi Temple in Jalalpur village, Raibhag taluk, Belagavi district, as private property.
A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundaresh and Koteshwar Singh observed that temples of ancient origin, open for public worship, are generally presumed to be public temples. It said strong evidence is required to prove otherwise, and directed the High Court to re-examine the documents and evidence before deciding the matter afresh, remitting the petition back.
