The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has made it clear that government officials have a duty to protect temple properties and ensure proper administration. The court was hearing a case about the Irukkankudi Mariamman Temple in Virudhunagar district.
A public interest petition was filed by Radha Krishnan from Thoothukudi’s Azhvaar Thirunagari. In his plea, he said thousands of devotees visit the temple, but it is not being managed properly. He alleged that temple funds are being misused and the income is not accounted for correctly. He also complained that the temple surroundings are not clean, toilets are not maintained, and many vendor stalls and small buildings inside the temple area are unsafe. He further pointed out that public pathways and water bodies near the temple have been occupied illegally.
When the case came up for hearing, the court noted that under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act, protecting and safeguarding temple assets is the responsibility of government officials. The judges observed that officials must act with full responsibility to prevent misuse of temple land, buildings, and income.
The HR&CE department filed an affidavit before the court. It said that steps have already been taken to remove illegal occupants from temple property. It also said that cleaning and repair works are being carried out and measures are being taken to maintain hygiene, restore public pathways, and protect water bodies around the temple.
After recording this, the High Court stated that since action has already started, there is no further need to continue with the petition. The judges stressed again that temple officials and authorities must ensure temples are well maintained and their properties are not lost to encroachments or misuse.
