Even as Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister Ramesh has denied any connection to the alleged illegal registration of a ₹100-crore property belonging to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt at the foothills of Palani, fresh questions have emerged over the timing of the transfer and promotion of a senior HR&CE official who was responsible for safeguarding the temple’s properties.
Earlier, Minister Ramesh had rejected allegations linking him or his relatives to the disputed land transaction, describing them as politically motivated and threatened ‘severe’ action against those spreading what he termed false information.
The minister stated that the HR&CE Department had initiated departmental proceedings and a police investigation immediately after the alleged illegal registration came to light. He also said that the Palani Joint Commissioner had repeatedly written to the Sub-Registrar’s Office, warning officials not to register the disputed property since litigation over the land was already pending.
According to Ramesh, despite the department’s prompt action, certain political party-affiliated social media pages and sections of the media were attempting to tarnish his image. He asserted that he had “not even the slightest connection” with the alleged fraud and said complaints had been lodged against those spreading what he described as fake news.
Questions Over Marimuthu’s Promotion
However, the controversy has now shifted to the promotion of Marimuthu, who was serving as the Joint Commissioner of the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at the time of the disputed transaction.
It is reported that the registration of the temple property was completed on July 6, while a Government Order dated July 9 promoted Marimuthu as Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer and transferred him to Chennai.
The timing has prompted questions over whether the officer responsible for protecting the temple’s interests should have been transferred immediately after the fraudulent registration.
Marimuthu’s Letter Written Before Registration
According to documents, Marimuthu seemed to have already been aware of attempts to register the disputed property even before the transaction was completed.
A letter dated 2 July 2026 purportedly written by him, the Joint Commissioner to the District Registrar warned that the property was under litigation and objected to any attempt to register it.
The letter seems to demonstrate that the HR&CE Department was aware of the impending registration several days before it was completed.
The registration process allegedly commenced on July 3 and was completed on July 6, while Marimuthu was promoted and transferred to Chennai through the July 9 government order.
The sequence of events has led to questions over whether merely sending a letter fulfilled the department’s responsibility to protect temple property or whether further intervention should have been undertaken to prevent the registration itself.
Only Sub-Registrar Arrested
One wonders about the scope of the ongoing investigation into the fradulent registration by the TVK government.
While the government suspended and arrested the Sub-Registrar involved in processing the registration, the investigation should ideally not be confined to a single official.
A property valued at nearly ₹100 crore, already the subject of litigation, could not have been registered without the knowledge of multiple levels of the Registration Department.
Questions arise whether the District Registrar, who would ordinarily receive communications relating to disputed properties, has also been examined regarding the transaction.
It is noteworthy that Sub-Registrar would not ordinarily process the registration of a disputed temple property without instructions or clearance from higher authorities.
Questions Over Inter-Departmental Coordination
The controversy has also raised questions over the role of two departments: the HR&CE Department, responsible for safeguarding temple properties, and the Registration Department, responsible for registering land transactions.
The fraudulent registration required both departments to act, or fail to act, in a manner that allowed the transaction to proceed despite pending litigation and objections from temple authorities.
And thus, the matter warrants scrutiny beyond the actions of the Sub-Registrar alone.
Secretary Heading Both Departments Under Spotlight
Attention has also turned to IAS officer Kumaragurubaran, who serves as Secretary to both the HR&CE Department and the Registration Department.
Questions are being raised about his dual role as this landgrab attempt involves both these departments.
Additionally, the promotion and transfer of Marimuthu would have required departmental approval and whether such a decision could have been taken without the knowledge of the minister and the department’s senior leadership.
Questions Directed at Minister
The controversy has also led to broader questions being directed at Minister Ramesh.
If the minister was unaware of the registration, the subsequent promotion of the Joint Commissioner and the developments within his own department, it raises questions about administrative oversight.
Conversely, if the department was fully aware of the developments, explanations are required regarding the timing of the officer’s promotion and transfer immediately after the disputed registration.
It is also noteworthy that the government acted only after the issue entered the public domain and after concerns were raised by individuals associated with the mutt, rather than preventing the transaction beforehand.
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