On 26 July 2024, the Madras High Court resumed its hearings regarding illegal mining of minerals worth hundreds of crores from temple lands. Specifically, granite stones valued at ₹28.51 crore have been illegally removed from the Hanumantharaya Swamy temple land in Nagamangalam, Denkanikottai, while stones worth ₹170.14 crore have been extracted from the Pattalamman temple land in Krishnagiri Baleguli.
The court has mandated a detailed report on the illicit extraction activities affecting both temple and other lands in the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Salem Range has been instructed to present this report in court, outlining the actions taken to address the issue.
The judge had previously issued this directive during a hearing on 19th July. At that time, the DIG submitted a report detailing the steps already undertaken.
Representatives for the government included Additional Advocate General Ravindran, Principal Criminal Prosecutor Hasan Muhammad Jinnah, and Additional Criminal Prosecutor Muniyapparaj, while Special Pleader Arun Natarajan represented the HR&CE department.
The judge expressed serious concern about the misappropriation of resources, emphasizing that government officials, who are paid with public funds, must act with integrity. The court directed that the Assistant Director of Mineral Resources provide the DIG of Salem Range with details of all licenses issued within one week. The DIG is responsible for investigating any illegal mining activities based on this information and taking appropriate criminal and disciplinary action against any implicated officials. Additionally, a coordinated effort among the revenue department, police, and HR&CE department is crucial to address and prevent illegal mineral extraction.
Moreover, the Assistant Director of Mineral Resources is required to assess the financial losses incurred by the government due to these illegal activities and to pursue recovery from those responsible. Cases previously closed without adequate investigation should be reopened and thoroughly examined.
A report on the government’s actions is expected to be submitted. The hearing has been adjourned to 28 August 2024.
Previously, on 19 July 2024 the Madras High Court had ordered the DIG of Police, Salem Range, to provide a report detailing the illegal mining activities on temple lands in Krishnagiri, the criminal cases filed against those involved, and subsequent actions taken. This order followed a contempt of court petition filed by A. Radhakrishnan, a temple activist, who sought action against officials who failed to protect temple properties as per earlier court directives.
Justice SM Subramaniam, who issued the order, expressed deep concern over the illegal mining of resources valued at ₹198.65 crore from lands belonging to two temples in Krishnagiri district. The report from the Assistant Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department revealed extensive illegal mining, which the judge described as “shocking the conscience” of the court.
The report detailed that stones worth ₹28.51 crore were illicitly mined from Hanumantharaya Swamy temple land in Nagamangalam, Denkanikottai, and stones valued at ₹170.14 crore were quarried from Arulmigu Pattalamman Temple Baleguli, both in Krishnagiri.
Justice Subramaniam highlighted that HR&CE officials faced significant obstacles from unruly elements, hindering their efforts to protect temple lands. The judge stressed that such lawlessness cannot be tolerated and called for stronger governmental intervention to safeguard national resources from exploitation for personal gain. Consequently, the court summoned the DIG to appear on 26 July 2024 with the required reports.
(With Inputs From Dinamalar)
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