Temple can hold AGMs again

THE interim order which has precluded a Durban temple from holding its annual general meetings since September 1, 2013, has fallen away.

This follows the withdrawal of the action in the Durban High Court last week by businessman and temple trustee Runganathan Moodley against the Cato Manor Hindu Temple.

The other respondents were temple executive members Jayseelan Marimuthu Naraidoo (chairman), Devandra Dayanand Naidoo (treasurer) and Karanugaran Naidoo (secretary).

The matter was supposed to go on trial last week.

However, in a surprising twist Moodley, who alleged that donations were mismanaged, withdrew the application.

The temple denied the mismanagement claims.

The temple, via its counsel, advocate Jay Naidoo, said it was relieved that the protracted legal battle was over.

It emerged in court papers that Moodley and the temple’s executive were at loggerheads over the Obayam For Life project.

Moodley said his family had donated R100 000 towards the Obayam campaign.

He said he was excluded as a signatory to the Obayam bank account.

Naraidoo said in court documents that Moodley’s only concern was the Obayam project.

He alleged Moodley wanted to exercise autocratic control of the Obayam funds, and because Moodley lived in Cape Town, it was impractical to have him as a signatory.

Naraidoo claimed Moodley’s attendance at meetings and prayers was sporadic and irregular.

The temple, through Naidoo, said the litigation was a waste of time, energy and money.