Madras High Court observes while banning the construction of the complex

Chennai – The Madras High Court has recently restrained the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department from constructing a shopping complex using temple surplus funds. The shopping complex was being constructed on the land of the Arulamighu Nandiswaram Tirukoil temple using temple funds. The Court also said that temples should be kept out of litigation as much as possible.
🙏 Madras High Court’s verdict: 🚫
Surplus funds of Arulmighu Nandeeswaram Thirukoil can’t be used for commercial complexes! 🏢
– Temple funds must be used only for temple purposes. 🕉️
– Existing complex to be used for poor people’s weddings, promoting social welfare.… pic.twitter.com/a1ZCO1FU2h
— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 11, 2025
Temple funds should be used only for the temple

The High Court said that if commercial complex is allowed, it may create complications regarding return on investment, eviction of licensees/tenants, recovery of arrears of rent and prevention of encroachment. Also, as per the ‘Human Resources and Sanitation Act’, the surplus funds of the temple can be used only for the purposes specified under Section ’66(1)’ or Section ’36A’ or ‘Section 36B’ and not for any other purpose. The construction of commercial complex does not fall under any category. Therefore, this decision should be set aside.
Part construction of the commercial complex should be made available to the poor for wedding ceremonies : Court orders
Part of the construction of the commercial complex has already been completed and may be left unused. Therefore, the Court ordered that the construction done so far can be used to provide food to the poor. This building can also be used to hold weddings of poor and needy Hindus.
Editorial PerspectiveDue to the Government’s control over most of the temples in Tamil Nadu, temple funds are being used as per the Government’s whim. Such incidents will not stop unless the temples are given back to the devotees to run. |