The Idol in the temple is akin to a minor, hence the Court has to protect its property : Madras HC

Issue of the famous Palani temple in Tamil Nadu

Currently, the Government has taken thousands of temples into custody and utilising temple property for other works instead of utilising it for Hindu Dharma. Therefore, devout Hindus feel that the honourable Court should give an order so that the property of temples is used only for Hindu Dharma activities.

Chennai – From the law point of view, the Idol in a temple is akin to a minor child. Hence, its property has to be protected by the Court, said the Madras High Court during the hearing of an appeal concerning the famous Palani temple in the State. Some families have taken illegal control of the temple land. The Court gave an order to remove these families from there. These families had taken over the property many years ago. The Court has instructed the authorities to vacate the temple property within 4 weeks.

1. The family members had claimed that the Britishers had given that land as a ‘gift’ to their ancestors in 1863, hence, they had the right over that land for generations. They were giving lease rent of that land to the temple. The Court clarified that they were not the owners but tenants. Therefore, they cannot claim any part of the land as their own.
2. Commissioner has been directed to keep watch on the whole process. The land is more than 60 acres. This land happens to be in Periyakumarapalayam village in Dharapuram at Tiruppur. The property belongs to the Temple Deity, Murugan Swami, explained the Court. The full name of the temple is ‘Palani Arulmigu Dhanadayuthapani Swami Temple’. The temple is one of the richest temples in Tamil Nadu and is ancient too.