The Madras High Court has directed the authorities to take necessary steps to safeguard the properties belonging to the Kalahastheeswarar temple in Dindigul district. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by A Radhakrishnan from Salem district.
Petitioner's Allegations
The petitioner stated that the Kalahastheeswarar temple is an ancient temple administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department. The temple owns valuable immovable properties, including inam lands, temple land parcels, leased properties, buildings, shops, and other endowment properties dedicated for religious and charitable purposes. He alleged that there are several serious irregularities regarding the administration and protection of these temple properties. Large extents of temple land have been encroached upon, and title deeds have allegedly been improperly granted in favor of some individuals, despite such properties belonging to the temple.
Public Importance
The petitioner emphasized that the temple is visited by a large number of devotees, and the proper maintenance and protection of its properties are matters of substantial public importance. Therefore, he sought a direction from the court to the authorities to secure, safeguard, and ensure proper administration of the temple properties.
Court's Observations and Order
The standing counsel for the temple submitted that a committee has been constituted under the Dindigul HR and CE Assistant Commissioner to inspect all properties belonging to the temple and to take steps to protect them. Taking into account the submissions, a division bench comprising Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy and Justice R Poornima directed the HR and CE authorities to take steps to safeguard the temple properties. The petition was subsequently disposed of.
