The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that the Pandharpur Temples Act is intended to protect the interests of the Vitthal and Rukmini temples and address complaints of mismanagement by the priestly classes. The Act has been challenged by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and Jagdish Shetty, who argue that it violates the rights of devotees. The state maintains that the Act is in the public interest and does not infringe on religious freedom. The High Court will resume the hearing on September 13.