Petition filed in Madras HC asking for ban on demolition of temples

A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court asking for a proper framework for regulating the temples built on purampokku land. The petition was filed by the Spokesperson of the Hindu Munnani, D Ilango.

The petition filed by Ilango read, “16 temples have been demolished since the DMK formed the government. Many of these 16 temples are more than a hundred years old. On behalf of the HR&CE department, it is being said that the temples were demolished for renovating the old temples, and making them new. Illegal constructions, encroachment of water bodies, etc. are some reasons cited for the destruction of temple, under the Disaster Management Act, 2006.

There have been reports that temples built on Poramboke land are being demolished without prior notice. However, places of worship that belong to minority religions, have not been demolished, even if they’re encroaching land, Hindu activists allege. Many lands have belonging to the HR&CE, have been provided to encroachers.

“Therefore, there should be a ban on demolishing temples that have encroached land, without giving prior notice. Also, the court should direct for a proper framework regulating these temples, and providing them with a replacement.”, the petition read.

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