The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has scheduled a crucial meeting of its executive council tomorrow to discuss the ongoing dispute surrounding the Pashupati Gaushala Dharmashala. The meeting, called by the Chairperson of the Trust and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, aims to address the management and control of the religious rest house.
The controversy began after the Kathmandu District Court nullified a 2003 (B.S. 2060) agreement between the Pashupati Area Development Trust (then known as Pashupatinath Amal Court) and the Marwadi Sewa Samiti, transferring control of the Gaushala Dharmashala to PADT. However, before this decision, PADT had reached an agreement with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to take over the management of the Dharmashala. When KMC attempted to assume control, it was met with resistance from the Marwadi Sewa Samiti, which has been protesting the move.
Dr. Milan Kumar Thapa, Member Secretary of PADT, informed that under the Ministry’s directive, the executive council meeting is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Ministry’s conference hall.
The dispute dates back to July 17, 2023 (B.S. 2080 Shrawan 17), when the PADT decided to annul a previous nine-point agreement with the Marwadi Sewa Samiti. In response, the Samiti filed a case at the Kathmandu District Court requesting the cancellation of this decision and reinstatement of the original agreement. However, the court ruled against the Samiti’s claim.
The original agreement allowed the Marwadi Sewa Samiti to use the Dharmashala for religious purposes, with the condition that they would pay an annual fee of NPR 51,000. The Samiti was also responsible for supporting the traditional upkeep of the stray bulls left at the Pashupatinath Temple. Over time, the Dharmashala expanded its operations, running a hotel, lodge, restaurant, dialysis center, and even dairy production by rearing Jersey cows.
The Marwadi Sewa Samiti had expanded the Dharmashala by adding floors and renting out 19 stalls, collecting up to NPR 35,000 per stall per month in rent. The legal battle took a new turn when the case reached the Patan High Court, which issued a temporary order on Friday allowing the Samiti to continue managing the Dharmashala until further notice.
Both parties are now scheduled to meet for a discussion on Kartik 5, as ordered by the Patan High Court. The outcome of these discussions will likely determine the future management of the Dharmashala, a key property within the Pashupati area.
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