Theosophical Society at Adyar - Lawsuits and News
Update from Theosophy News:
The law suit filed in Chennai High Court by Krishnaphani and Rama Chandra Rao against TS, its officers and others involved in Election is going forward to trial. Judge has just released his judgement. Judgement is in public domain and can be downloaded at the link listed below.
http://judis.nic.in/judis_chennai/Judge_Result_Disp.asp?MyChk=233224
Tim Boyd, as President of TS, filed objections claiming that the members have no standing to sue.
This was denied and judge has ruled that they have standing and hence the case goes forward to trial.
It is significant that the judge has recognized the importance of fair and free elections in Democracy and let us all pray that at the end of the day, the law suit will fix the TS President Election System as it is very critical to the future of theosophical movement.
We can be sure that theosophical movement will ultimately win.
In the trial, much details would emerge, we all should be ready for many surprises.
Some Key Observations:
"Accordingly, this application (of Tim Boyd) deserves no merits and the same is dismissed."
"Accordingly, this Court is of the view that the applicant/D10 is not justified in contending that the respondents 1 and 2/plaintiffs are not having locus-standi to file the present suit"
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"Court has also found that a member or voter of a Society/Association has a right to challenge the elections in the absence of specific bar either in the Bye-laws or under the statutory provisions."
"I have already pointed out that the By-laws of the first defendant-Association are totally silent about the manner in which the elections have to be challenged."
"Election is a symbol of Democracy and the same has to be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedures established by law in a fair, transparent and unbiased manner. There cannot be any compromise on the mandatory and essential procedures in conducting the elections. Only when those procedures are strictly followed, it could be said that the Democratic way of electing people, has been achieved. If there are any deviations, it should be viewed seriously, as the same cannot get the seal of approval from a Court of Law, automatically.”
MKR
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Seij on
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There is a deeper root here that I just cannot put my thigh of thought on.. But, I have this weird feeling that I can't let go of, which is the resemblance between Boyd and Obama!! I talked to T. Boyd live and he was asked if he was related to Obama he denied (of course) and stated that he is older. Thought that to be a bit odd as well. Not to mention they are both presidents in office. Imagine Obama president of the North American States and president of India <g> What the heck is going on!
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Good comment <g> !
Another thought is that the TS election is similar to George W. Bush's first election where the Supreme Court had to get involved !
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Not sure how many are aware that Boyd is president of the American sector and the international sector. It was a big deal that Boyd was not taking residence in Adyar. This is the first Theosophical president of the international sector not reside at the headquarters, that alone was drama waiting to unfold and cause a lot of ruckus. Politics is a dirty business.
For those interested here the archive of my interview with Boyd on The People Speak Radio Show that was live last year on September 9, 2014. He was my second interview I broadcast ever in my talk radio pursuit and was nervous, so bare with the interview. I did ask him about the future of TS and other questions that members wanted to know about.
Overall, it is clear that Boyd is not wanted as the international president. So that being said, should lead anyone to believe that there is a lot more going on than those on the outside can perceive. However, those who know fear to tell. But for those who have eyes can see.
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Theosophy News:
Post from peacebliss@yahoo.com
"TS - Opening Pandora's Box???" has become a gross understatement to describe the latest event, due to a sudden major development this week and adverse change.
The matters have taken their logical, unavoidable and inevitable major adverse course this week since the Respondents, in their delusions of grandeur and hauteur, did not bother to respond for many months to the well-meant warnings to save the Society.
Policy of silence never helps when you are a potential defendant in a civil suit or an accused in a criminal case. Silence in such situations will be taken as acceptance of allegations or admission of 'no defense'.
As could have been expected, the issues have reached the office of the highest authority regulating Societies in the State of Tamil Nadu, the Inspector General of Registration. (IG Regn).
IG Regn has promptly ordered a thorough inquiry into the functioning and activities of the TS, with particular reference to contraventions of the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Society's Registration Act, abuse of positions by some office-bearers, financial irregularities and other allegations.
The inquiry will be conducted by the South Chennai District Registrar. Records, evidences and witnesses will be summoned, inquiry report prepared and action would be taken in accordance with the findings.And one person has already received written communication from the South Chennai District Registrar to submit whatever are available with that person as documents and records.
There may be a few hours available to try and stop the inquiry with the complainants agreeing to withdraw their complaints, though it will depend on the South Chennai District Registrar's discretion.
So sad that a few misguided and overconfident individuals led the TS to this crisis situation.
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
TS put on notice by Registrar of Societies in Chennai
Here is an update on the action by the Registrar or Societies..
The Chennai (South) District Registrar, the statutory authority for Societies for the jurisdictional area, has issued a Notice dated 23 September 2015 to the Theosophical Society, Adyar, seeking answers to the many allegations the TS, Adyar, is facing including contraventions of the provisions of the Societies Registration Act and other irregularities. 15 days’ time, from the date of receipt of the Notice, has been given for submitting the reply, failing which the TS is warned that appropriate Order will be passed based on records on the files. The Notice is addressed to the President and the Secretary of the TS.
One Interesting Finding that has come out is:
There seem to be operating 7 other Registered Societies within or around the TS, with cross-holdings / control. No information on approvals. No mandated annual records, such as membership, minutes of meetings, balance sheets, etc seem to have been submitted for many years in many cases.
1. OLCOTT WELFARE SOCIETY. Society No. 46
2. OLCOTT EDUCATION SOCIETY. Society No. 8
3. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. Society No. 2
4. THE EASTERN FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL CO-FREEMASONRY. Society No. 62
5. EGYPTIAN RITE OF THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES. Society No. 20
6. THE ESOTERIC SCHOOL OF THEOSOPHY. Society No. 10
Chittaranjan Satapathy and his wife, Kusum Satapathy, were secretaries of at least two of the main Societies, at different times over the past 6 to 7 years. The Secretary is invariably responsible for statutory compliance.
Theo Sophia comments: All the entities are registered under the Societies Act which gives tax exemption from Income and other taxes. Hence there is public interest in the functioning of these entities. What we should be looking forward is unauthorized undisclosed funding of the above entities from the coffers of TS. The old adage is - Follow the money and you learn what is going on. Is theosophical money being used to fund activities which are not part of the Theosophical Society?
Another issue that should be watched is the term of office of President of TS. Societies Act limit the term of office to three years. So look for next election in 2017 and hopefully by then the courts would lay down the rules for a truly clean, transparent democratic election with end to end control over balloting and tallying to prevent any mischief.
Let us keep tuned.
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Here are two letters outlining the [sexual] allegations and clearly indicating that senior levels of TS leadership were aware of them.
This is from the independent site theosophynews.co.uk Posted by Dave Marsland
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
The following letter from Ramu's lawyer was sent to TS Adyar leaders regarding the eviction and property of his client (Ramu).
== == == == == == == == == == == == == == == == == == == ==
23.12.2015
R S Raveendhren
Advocate
T Nagar, ChennaiTo:
1. Theosophical Society, Represented by its International President, Tim Boyd
2. Chittaranjan Satapathy, Vice President & Formerly International Secretary
3. M. P. Singhal, Formerly Vice President
4. S. Harihararaghavan, General Manager..........Sirs/Sir,
Ref: Civil Revision Petition before the High Court of Madras against Order dated 09.12.2015 passed in C. M. A. No.52 of 2015 on the file of XVII Addl City Civil Court, Chennai.
This is to inform you that against the Order dated 09.12.2015 passed in C. M. A. No.52 of 2015 on the file of XVII Addl City Civil Court, Chennai, my client has instructed to prefer a civil revision petition before the High Court of Madras. It is learnt from my client that you have disconnected electricity and water supply to my client's premises and he is being denied access through gates and deprived of various common facilities, viz., medical assistance, dispensary, maintenance, sanitation, food and beverages in all canteens, place of worships and programs, which are available to all the residents in the campus. It is unfair and illegal on your part to disturb my client's peaceful possession and enjoyment of the Accommodation Quarters at No.4, Sriram Colony, The Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai along with facilities and amenities. Your attention is drawn to the fact that the main suit is still pending for adjudication and mere reversal of Trial Court's order in an interlocutory application, by the lower appellate court does not confer you with any right to disturb my client's peaceful possession and enjoyment of accommodation quarters along with facilities and amenities. You cannot take law into your hands. My client hereby requires you not to disturb his peaceful possession and enjoyment of the accommodation quarters along with facilities and amenities and to restore the electricity and water supply forthwith.
Signed... R. S. Raveendhren
== == == == == == == == == == == == == == == ==
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
FYI - Another update on the TS lawsuits.
This is from Theosophy News.
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Judgement on Tim Boyd’s appeal to the Chief Justice of Chennai High Court has been released.
The case was heard by Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Chief Justice and Justice M.M.Sundresh.
The Tim Boyd’s appeal was to dismiss the case filed by Krishnaphani. The court observed that the issue is locus standi of the voter on the date the suit was filed. The court has directed that the issue should be tried by the Single Judge.
“The parties should complete their pleadings and
the issue of locus standi as on the date of filing
of the suit should be tried as a preliminary issue,
as it does not require any evidence.”“The suit be listed before the learned Single
Judge on 15.06.2016 for framing of issue and
the aforesaid issue will be tried as a preliminary
issue.”So the trial would proceed to establish locus standi and litigation would drag on and on and enriching the army of lawyers involved, wasting money of TS meant for spreading theosophy in the world.
Here is the full judgement:
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 03.03.2016
CORAMTHE HON'BLE MR.SANJAY KISHAN KAUL, CHIEF JUSTICE
and
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.M.SUNDRESHO.S.A.No.37 of 2016
Tim Boyd .. Appellant
vs
1.Kesiraju Krishna Phani
2.Karri Sita Rama Chandra Rao
3.The Theosophical Society,
A Society registered under the
T.N. Societies Registration Act, 1975,
rep. by its Secretary,
Having its office at the Headquarters
At Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
4.The Indian Section,
The Theosophical Society,
rep. by its General Secretary,
A constituent part of the Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
5.Dr.Chittaranjan Sathapathy,
Secretary,
Member-Election Committee
(Presidential Election 2013-14)
The Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
6.T.S.Jambunathan,
Treasurer,
Member-Election Committee
(Presidential Election 2013-14)
The Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
7.S.Harihara Raghavan,
General Manager,
The Theosophical Society,
Member-Election Committee
(Presidential Election 2013-14)
The Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
8.S.Sundaram,
The General Secretary, Indian Section,
A constituent part of the Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
9.P.K.Mahapatra,
Assistant General Secretary, Indian Section,
A constituent part of the Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
10.Karnataka Theosophical Federation of
The Indian Section,
rep. by its Secretary Ms.Parvathamma,
A constituent part of The Theosophical Society,
No.90, Krishnarajendra Road,
Basavangudi,
Bangalore.
11.S.M.Umakanth Rao,
Executive Committee Member,
Indian Section,
A constituent part of the Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020.
12.C.V.K.Maithreya
13.Manju Sundaram,
Scrutineer, Presidential Election 2014,
Indian Section,
A constituent part of The Theosophical Society,
Adyar, Chennai-600 020. .. RespondentsAppeal filed under Order XXXVI, Rule 9 of Original Side Rules
read with Clause 15 of Letters Patent against the order made in
A.No.317 of 2015 in C.S.No.682 of 2014, dated 22.07.2015.For Appellant .. Mr.Sankara Narayanan
For Respondents .. Ms.Geeta Ramaseshan* * * * *
JUDGMENT
(Judgment of the Court was delivered by The Hon'ble Chief Justice)
The impugned order dated 22.07.2015 dismissing the
application of the appellant under Order 7, Rule 11(a) of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 records certain findings, over which, we have some reservation on hearing the learned counsel for parties. The fundamental question involved is whether a voter in this election in the absence of any statutory right would have a locus standi to institute a suit. We are of the view that such a matter can be decided by framing a preliminary issue.2. The learned counsel for parties also agree to the course of
action.3. We, thus, dispose of the appeal in the following agreed
terms:-(1)The observations made in the impugned order
are only for the purposes of deciding the
application filed under Order 7, Rule 11(a) of
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and in view of
certain reservation, would not be looked into for
any other purposes. The final finding of the
rejection of the application is not disturbed.(2)The parties should complete their pleadings and
the issue of locus standi as on the date of filing
of the suit should be tried as a preliminary issue,
as it does not require any evidence.(3)In order to facilitate the aforesaid, the written
statement will be filed within six weeks.
Replication may be filed within three weeks.
Parties to file the documents simultaneously.
(4)The suit be listed before the learned Single
Judge on 15.06.2016 for framing of issue and
the aforesaid issue will be tried as a preliminary
issue.The parties to bear their own costs in this appeal.
.K.K., CJ.) (M.M.S.,J.)
03.03.2016 -
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Here is some news on India Law. This is from Theosophy News on Twitter and Facebook:
Theosophy News:
Transparency of Foreign Money flowing into Non Governmental Organizations in India is now public information –
Indian Government has put in place procedural controls to track money received from overseas sources by Non Governmental organizations for full transparency.
Under Foreign Contribution Regulation Rules. The recipient had to disclose the details of the foreign contributions received on quarterly basis. It should be published on the recipient’s website within fifteen days after end of the quarter. Those recipients who do not have their own website, need to publish on the website of Ministry of Home affairs.
The details include the source, amount, date of receipt as well as the end beneficiary. Not only this provides a public oversight but also to prevent misdirection, misapplication or misuse of the funds received.
TS is legendary in keeping all operational information ultra secret and this includes financial matters. This extends even to the Bylaws (Rules) of TS (you will not see them in any official site of TS) and even a map of Adyar was not published for ages.
Now the above financial reporting requirement would apply to TS, TOS, LCC, Co-Masonic, and ES and every other entity which receives funds from overseas.
As of now, none of the above organizations have reported the details as required. Violation can lead to serious consequences since the FCRA rules have criminal and civil teeth. Are they waiting for the Government take action against them for the violation of the requirement?
It is a new day for transparency. Let us keep tuned.
If any reader finds out additional newsworthy information, you can send it off-line with no fear.
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
This is a summary found on Theosophy News (twitter)
Allegations of irregularities and malpractice haunt Theosophical So...
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Any news on the issues undergoing TS/Adyar may be added in this discussion.
just fyi to the site members.
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by John on -
Ownership of 81 acres of prime invaluable land along the seashore is in dispute and heirs of original owners are litigating to get it back from Theosophical Society at Adyar.Government authorities have ordered TS to appear before them on February 14th with documents supporting the ownership claim.
Keep tuned for the outcome of the meeting.
Property is the priciest and is valued at Rs. 4,000 crores (US$500 million).
Who knows what is the Karma of TS. Keep tuned
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