The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) authorities have been accused of grave abuse of power, with a complaint lodged with the police alleging misappropriation of ₹1.34 lakh from the funds of the Lord Agatheeswarar Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple in Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Ramanan, an auditor associated with the “Alayam Kappom” organization, filed a complaint on 24 April 2024, supported by documented evidence and collected materials, alongside former idol wing IG Ponn Manickavel, acting as an advisor to the organization.
The complaint highlights the alleged misappropriation of ₹1.35 lakh from the temple’s funds during 2017-18. These funds were purportedly diverted for expenses related to tea, coffee, snacks, and meals for the HR&CE Commissioner’s office.
He
அவர்களுடன் சென்று 24.04.24 அன்று பதிவு செய்தோம். கோயில்களின் நிர்வாகத்தை எடுத்துக் கொண்டு பிரிவு 92 மூலம் நிர்வாக வரி
என்று பல கோடிகளை கோயில்களில் இருந்து வசூலித்த பிறகும் அலுவலக சாப்பாட்டுக்கு கையாடுவது S 406 409 IPC படி ஆயுள் தண்டனைக்குறிய குற்றமாகும். SC ஆணை உறுதி செய்கிறது pic.twitter.com/XcAWqd6EWU— FreeHinduTemples / Aalayam_Kaappom/ ஆலயம்_காப்போம் (@AalayamKaappom) April 27, 2024
Despite substantial funds collected from various temples, diverting them for office expenses constitutes a serious offense, potentially punishable with imprisonment under Sections 406 and 409 of the Indian Penal Code, as per a Supreme Court ruling.
Former IG Ponn Manickavel, addressing the press, declared that the HR&CE Commissioner’s office in Nungambakkam has committed a serious offense by engaging in fraudulent misappropriation of funds. According to the law, this offense carries a punishment of up to two years. Additionally, their actions constitute criminal breach of trust, which can lead to a life sentence. These crimes occurred during the 2017-18 period.
He explained the delay in filing a complaint by noting that the accused individuals were all part of the HR&CE department, and the crimes took place under their supervision without detection. The beneficiaries of these fraudulent activities were also affiliated with HR&CE, thus maintaining secrecy. Manickavel cautioned against assuming innocence based on claims of using funds for tea, coffee, and lunch, clarifying that HR&CE operates differently from other departments as it relies on taxes imposed on temples by the government.
Ponn Manickavel pointed out that contrary to the popular belief, unlike the other state government departments which runs on taxpayer’s money, the HR&CE Department runs on taxes levied on temples.
He revealed that temples are taxed similarly to businesses, with rates ranging from 4% to 12% based on revenue.
“The previous government (AIADMK) levied ₹340 crore in taxes per year just for Hindu temples. This is on record. Even the press does not know that temples are taxed by the government. They’ve hidden this fact. How are they levying the tax? They’ve categorized like businesses. 4% tax for temples that earn ₹5000-₹20,000 per year. 5% tax for temples that earn ₹20,000-₹60,000 per year. 6% tax for temples that earn ₹60,000 to ₹200,000 per year. 7% tax for temples that earn ₹200,000 to ₹500,000 per year. 12% tax for any temple that earns above ₹500,000.“, Ponn Manickavel said.
“The previous government (AIADMK) put ₹340 crore and put ₹370 crore the next year. The new government (DMK) which came in 2021 is putting ₹427 crores. It is this money that is used as ‘administrative fund’ to give salaries, pensions, etc.“, he said.
This information is largely unknown, even among Hindu organizations, and the government has allegedly destroyed 11 Adheenams, leaving only a few ancient ones unaware of these practices. In recent years, the government has increased temple taxes significantly, using the funds for administrative purposes like salaries and pensions. Manickavel condemned this practice, arguing that temple earnings should be spent for temple purposes only.
He also said that two officers namely Executive Officer M. Sakthivel and another officer is involved in this.
Despite the substantial taxes imposed on temples, the Nungambakkam office allegedly diverted funds for lunch, snacks, and water bottles, which Manickavel condemned as theft from the temples he said. He also highlighted over 19 reported crimes at the renowned Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple in Nungambakkam, indicating a broader issue of security and mismanagement.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.