Justice Ministry European Committee

Appellate authority responsible for oversight, due process, and judicial consistency within ISKCON Europe.

About JMEC

The Justice Ministry European Committee (JMEC), formally adopted on the 26th of September 2025 at the ISKCON Euro Regional Governing Body (RGB) meeting, is one of the appeals, grievance redressal and adjudication bodies within ISKCON Europe’s judicial framework. It is the trusted authority for upholding and administering fair process across ISKCON’s European region, as delegated by the ISKCON Euro RGB.

The JMEC aims to promote uniform, accountable judicial practices throughout ISKCON Europe by fostering consistent decision‑making, building the capacity of local temple and centre leaders, and keeping records of appeals and redirections.

The JMEC reviews the fairness and soundness of decisions and oversees due process, consistency, and adherence to ISKCON law by hearing appeals after all lower remedies have been exhausted. This is supported by a pool of trained adjudicators and case managers, working alongside ISKCON Resolve. Thus, its primary function is not to act as a court of first instance, but rather as the appellate authority in ISKCON Europe, ensuring that local remedies are exhausted and reviewed fairly

Our Role

JMEC reviews appeals and oversees the fairness and soundness of decisions made by local and regional authorities. Working with trained adjudicators and ISKCON Resolve, it ensures consistency, transparency, and adherence to established procedures.

Objectives

  • Overseeing: The JMEC oversees and guides the proper administration of justice by local and regional ISKCON authorities to ensure due process and to recommend corrective actions in cases where due process has been violated. It aims to maintain coherence with global ISKCON legal standards and ethos.
  • Educating: The JMEC is responsible for educating ISKCON leaders, managers, and the devotee community about the internal legal system, ethical standards, and principles of justice. It raises awareness of ISKCON Law and the Justice Ministry, empowering devotees to understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Strengthening: The JMEC aims to strengthen institutional justice capacity across regions by providing judicial oversight of local and regional adjudication, and by intervening when justice mechanisms are inactive, conflicted, or compromised.

General Duties

  • Hearing appeals of managerial decisions
  • Ensuring due process
  • Providing judicial oversight
  • Training and education
  • Promoting uniformity and accountability

Structure

ISKCON Europe Law Ministry Structure

Laws Database

The following documents constitute the official legal and procedural materials relevant to the functioning of JMEC and ISKCON Europe’s judicial framework.

Educational

Work in progress.

Get Involved

  • Intake Officers, Case Managers, Investigators, Panellists: Qualified devotees may volunteer or be appointed to these roles, contributing impartiality, fairness, and spiritual integrity to the justice process.
  • Committee Membership: Devotees may serve on JMEC committees (Standing, Appeals, Education & Advisory, Records & Oversight, Communications, Finance), helping to shape policy, review cases, and manage institutional resources.
  • Training Programs: Devotees may attend or help deliver workshops on ISKCON Law, ethics, and conflict resolution, strengthening judicial and managerial capacity across the community.
  • Community Outreach: By learning about and sharing knowledge of ISKCON’s justice system, devotees help empower others to understand their rights, responsibilities, and available avenues for redress.

Contact JMEC

Data Controller
Justice Ministry European Committee (JMEC)

Official correspondence: europejusticeministry@gmail.com