Remove encroachments from temple properties: HC

Time of India

2 days ago

Madurai:
Madras high court
has directed the authorities to take steps to remove encroachments from properties belonging to temples in Pudukottai district.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed in 2019 by A Radhakrishnan.
The petitioner stated that land parcels belonging to the temples under the control of the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR and CE) department were encroached upon in Pudukottai district.
He submitted a representation to the authorities seeking the removal of the encroachments from the properties. However, no action was taken. Hence, the petitioner moved court.
A division bench of justice S M Subramaniam and justice A D Maria Clete observed that the competent authorities under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act are bound to initiate action against the encroachments and protect the same for the benefit of the concerned temple.
Since the Act contemplates several procedures to be followed to recover temple properties from the hands of the encroachers, all such procedures are to be followed without causing any undue delay.
Hence, the judges directed the authorities to initiate all appropriate action to protect the temple authorities by removing the encroachers and utilising the properties for the benefit of the temples and devotees as contemplated under the provisions of the Act and Rules.
The petitioner is at liberty to give a fresh representation to the competent authorities providing all details enabling them to initiate appropriate action, the judges observed and disposed of the petition.