The Chennai bench of the Madras HC, Justice R. Suresh Kumar, on 4/12/2021 , observed “ Economic progress of the state should not be at the expense of God’s properties”. His Lordship further observed “ the Government should take conscious decision on matters relating to exploitation of temple land for the interests of third parties” This observation was made by the bench while disposing a petition filed by a private housing promoter seeking extension of lease of 22 cents of land belonging to Shri Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple , Thiruporur , a Chennai suburb.
The Chennai and Madurai benches of the Madras HC have been making “sweeping” observations while disposing cases regarding encroachments, renewal of leases, and PIL filed by the activists.
- Temple land always remain with temples: Public purpose theory shall not be invoked on temple lands Mardas HC 22/06/2021
- Temple lands can only be utilized for the beneficial purposes of the temple Madras HC06/11/2021.
- Detain temple land encroachers under Goondas Act , constitute a special cell to retrieve the encroached temple properties. Madras HC 15/09/2021
- Temple lands will stay with God Madrs HC 23/11/20219
- SC stays Madras HC order permitting use of Temple land for the construction of Kallakurichi collectorate.
The Judiciary on various occasions directed the HR & CE Dept to furnish the details of lands held by the temples in the state, method of fixing rents, collection of rents, list if defaulters etc. The HC also wanted to upload all these details in public domain. But both DMK and AIADMK govt ever complied with the directives. Till recently only HR&CE dept could file case against encroachments. The present Govt passed a bill amending the HR& CE act making this as “cognizable and non bailable” offence in September 2021. The HE&CE dept would only act on the directive of the courts , disposing PIL file by activists.
Even these strictures from the Judiciary could not deter the DMK Govt. It initiated the move to “ Monetize” the Gold Jewels donated to the temple and starting of 10 new Arts & Science colleges in the state. The HC , acting on PILs , has stayed these moves pending the final verdicts.
In April 2021, during the run up of TN assembly elections Jaggi Vasudev launched a “ missed call” Twitter campaign # free TN Temples” which was great success. The lack awareness among Hindus in the state is the reason for inaction/name sake actions of the Govt. BJP, VHP. Hindu Munnani and individual activists are sphere heading movement. Hope in the coming days the Hindu society realize the anti- Hindu actions of the Govt and force it to act.
