Mussoorie, March 16 -- The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) at Kedarnath Dham by issued a show-cause notice to Rawal Bhimashankar Linga, the temple's chief priest' over his alleged unauthorised declaration of a successor and the transport of sacred temple items, including Baba Kedar's "Roop Chhadi" ceremonial staff, to a ceremony in Nanded, Maharashtra. The notice, issued via the chief executive officer's office on February 27, demands a detailed explanation within 10 days for the alleged breach of temple laws and service conditions. The row erupted after rawal Bhimashankar Ling declared his successor and performed a coronation ritual (Pattabhishekam) in Nanded. Officials noted that such processes typically begin only after the rawal position falls vacant. BKTC officials said the use of "Roop Chhadi" and other ornaments at the event has intensified scrutiny, as they were transported without committee approval. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi questioned how the items left the temple. A separate show-cause notice went to chief executive officer Vijay Thapliyal seeking clarification. Dwivedi said the rawal did not inform the committee about naming a successor. "Under the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Act, 1939, the authority to appoint a Rawal rests with the Temple Committee," he said. He added that historical precedent backs this. "In 1990, when the then Rawal Siddheshwar Ling sought to initiate a disciple due to failing health, he did not resign until 2000. A formal selection process involving public advertisements and a selection committee was conducted before Bhimashankar Ling himself was appointed." BKTC officials said the committee holds authority to appoint both the rawal and naib rawal (assistant priest), per guidelines treating these as administrative roles. If the rawal post becomes vacant, the naib rawal usually succeeds unless documented otherwise. "The Rawal and Naib Rawal perform duties as prescribed by the committee and do not hold administrative authority. The committee, with government approval, also determines the salary and allowances," Dwivedi said, adding that although the guidelines were framed for Badrinath, they apply equally to Kedarnath....