Occupied temple lands should be reclaimed .... ICourt action order ...!

The Chennai High Court has issued various important orders in Tamil Nadu, including the recovery of temple lands from occupation.

There are 44,121 temples under the control of the Hindu Temple Department in Tamil Nadu. Of these, 8,450 temples are considered to be the main temples as they were built 100 years ago. Of the 44,000 temples, 32,932 were in good condition, 6,414 temples underwent minor renovations, 530 temples were partially demolished and 716 temples were completely demolished.

The Trust also said that steps were being taken to renovate the half and completely destroyed temples in accordance with UNESCO rules. In 2015, the Chennai High Court voluntarily took up the case for the protection of ancient temples. A bench of Justices R Mahadevan and PD Adikesavan delivered the key verdict in the case today (June 7). Nearly 75 orders have been issued to the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Central Archaeological Department. It has been ordered to preserve the ancient temples of historical significance in Tamil Nadu.

Further, the orders issued by the judges were to prepare a list of temples across Tamil Nadu and recover the temple lands from occupation. The rent arrears are to be collected from the tenants of the lands. Make a list of the statues and ornaments in the temples. Set up strong room in the temples and take action to protect the idols. Take a photo of the statues, jewelry and publish them on the website.

Committees should be set up at the state and district level to carry out temple renovation work. Rules relating to the protection of the temple should be laid down and published immediately. They have also ordered that the accounts of the temples should be audited by the Central Audit Department, the Central Idol Smuggling Prevention Unit should be set up, the water bodies belonging to the temples should be protected and action should be taken against those who have stolen or damaged the temple lands and properties.

Following this, the judges ordered the Tamil Nadu government to set up a central anti-smuggling unit and enforce the orders of the case related to the temple administration within 12 weeks.