In a significant ruling aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of temple lands across Tamil Nadu, the Madras High Court has ordered the state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to issue a circular prohibiting the construction of commercial and residential complexes on temple properties.
The court directive came in response to a petition filed by A.P. Palani, who sought a permanent ban on commercial development on the land belonging to the historic Kandhakottam Muthukumaraswamy Temple, located in the Parrys Corner area near Chennai Central Railway Station.
Established in the early 17th century, the Kandhakottam temple is a prominent landmark in Tamil Saivite history, known for its grand Utsava idols, vibrant festivals, and substantial landholdings. Citing the Hindu Religious Endowments Act, the petitioner argued that temple lands, considered sacred, should not be repurposed for profit-making ventures.
The High Court agreed with the petitioner’s concerns, stating that allowing construction of commercial or residential projects on temple lands would violate both the spirit of the law and the religious sentiments of devotees. As a result, the court directed the HR&CE Department to issue a statewide circular reinforcing the prohibition of such developments using temple funds or property.
In addition, the Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government and the HR&CE Department to file a response in the matter by 22 November 2025.
This order is expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially setting a precedent for the preservation of religious lands across the state. Legal experts note that the case could strengthen broader efforts to protect temple assets from encroachment or misuse.
The temple administration and devotees have welcomed the ruling, viewing it as a long-awaited affirmation of the spiritual and cultural importance of sacred spaces in urban settings.
(Source: TamilWire)
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