The Northern Phoenix Hindu Temple Society (NPHTS) has formally condemned an unauthorised meeting held on its premises recently, describing the gathering as unconstitutional and invalid. According to NPHTS chairperson, Akesh Jeenarayan, the meeting—during which an attempt was made to elect a new board—was not sanctioned by the Society and directly contravenes its governing constitution.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Jeenarayan stated that the gathering has no legal standing. “This meeting was not authorised by the Northern Phoenix Hindu Temple Society and constitutes a direct violation of our constitutional procedures. Any decisions taken at such a meeting have no legal or organisational standing,” he said.
The Society also raised concern over the involvement of Nathan Naidoo of the Spiritual Crime Prevention (SCP) Phoenix District, who presided over the meeting despite allegedly having no formal role within NPHTS structures. Jeenarayan explained: “In terms of Section 14, only the duly appointed secretary is authorised to call a Board General Meeting (BGM). This requirement was not met.”
Jeenarayan further stated that those behind the meeting had failed to submit formal grievances. He noted that the only issue raised informally related to the Board’s decision to discontinue the services of a foreign priest, a move he described as a responsible decision taken in the best interests of the temple.
However, a different version of events was presented by those involved in organising the meeting. Nathan Naidoo, Secretary of the SCP Phoenix District, told the Phoenix Tabloid that he had been formally mandated to oversee the election process. “Mrs Neesha Ramgoolam, a member of the community, formally requested the assistance of the Spiritual Crime Prevention Phoenix District to ensure the integrity of the election process for the Temple Board Management,” Naidoo said. He maintained that the process was free, fair, and transparent.
Neesha Ramgoolam confirmed her involvement, stating she acted as a devotee and public member on behalf of the priest, Pundit Ganesh Dutt Lekhwar. She claimed that a CCMA matter heard on 2 April 2026 found the priest had been unfairly dismissed and ordered his reinstatement. Ramgoolam alleged widespread dissatisfaction with current leadership, citing governance failures and a lack of financial transparency.
“There has been no BGM since 2019, despite it being mandatory every two years,” Ramgoolam said, adding that all processes for a fair BGM were adhered to on 29 March.
The NPHTS Board has called for the immediate nullification of the meeting and all resulting decisions. The newly appointed chairperson was approached for comment; however, none was received at the time of publication.
