In a significant legal development, M Elsiyus Fernando, a Catholic resident of Chennai, has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court against the Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore Society and the Diocese of Chengalpattu Society, accusing them of illegal land sales and embezzlement of more than Rs. 5,000 crores. Fernando, a marketing manager and Catholic worshipper, has raised concerns over the alleged fraudulent sale of public lands originally meant for religious purposes and grazing land.
The PIL, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, names several government and diocesan officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, the Commissioner of Land Administration, and various police and registration authorities. The petition claims that diocesan authorities have illegally sold government-owned properties located in St. Thomas Mount, Irumbuliyur, and Abiramapuram.
Fernando, supported by documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, alleges that over 130 acres of land—comprising 75.25 acres at St. Thomas Mount, 53.14 acres at Irumbuliyur, and 1.55 acres at Abiramapuram—were unlawfully sold by the diocese, bypassing legal safeguards. He further claims that diocesan authorities and other accomplices misappropriated the proceeds from these sales.
The properties in question were initially granted for religious service or classified as grazing land. Notably, the St. Thomas Mount land, which is part of a national monument, was designated as a “Religious Service Inam” by the Inam Commission in 1915. However, Fernando contends that this land, along with the other properties, was sold without proper authorization, leading to significant financial losses for the state government.
The petitioner’s affidavit further alleges that the Diocese of Chengalpattu, led by Bishop Rev. Dr. Neethinathan, in collusion with real estate developers, fraudulently developed and sold the 53.14-acre Irumbuliyur property. Fernando also claims that 1.55 acres of land in Abiramapuram, classified as “Poramboku” (wasteland), was encroached upon by a church and is now under unlawful occupation.
In his affidavit, Fernando also accuses police officials of shielding the real culprits. He asserts that despite his involvement as a witness in an FIR (No. 102/2022) filed against one of the priests involved in the sale of the lands, the investigation has been mishandled. He claims that the police are protecting those responsible and may close the matter, treating it as a civil issue.
According to Fernando’s estimates, the total value of the 130 acres of land, based on earlier transactions, is over Rs. 5,000 crores. He asserts that the current market value is likely much higher. However, despite submitting a representation to the relevant authorities, including the Department of Revenue, the Inam Commissioner, and other officials, he claims no action has been taken.
The petition seeks urgent intervention from the Madras High Court to safeguard the government’s land holdings, restore the properties to their rightful ownership, and hold the culprits accountable for their actions. Fernando demands that a comprehensive inquiry be conducted, the illegal sales be reversed, and those involved in the fraud be prosecuted for offenses including cheating, forgery, breach of trust, and money laundering.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.