A major land fraud involving property belonging to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani has sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu. A parcel of temple land valued at around ₹100 crore was registered in the names of private individuals using forged documents. Following preliminary findings, Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan has been placed under suspension, as reported in OneIndia Tamil.
Temple Land Meant for Religious Purposes
The land in question, measuring approximately 1.40 acres, is located at the foothills of Palani and has long been earmarked for the maintenance and religious activities of the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt. As such, it is considered a sacred religious property.
According to reports, the Palani Murugan Temple administration took possession of the land in September 2025. The property is currently being used as a parking area for devotees visiting the temple.
1888 Trust Deed Prohibits Sale
The temple administration has stated that the property is protected under an 1888 trust deed, which explicitly prohibits the sale, transfer, or any alteration of ownership of the land.
Given its location and present-day value, the property is estimated to be worth approximately ₹100 crore.
Fake Documents Used for ₹2 Crore Transaction
Despite the legal protections surrounding the land, individuals allegedly created forged documents showing the property as having been transferred for ₹2 crore.
Authorities noted that the ownership of the land by the temple and mutt had already been upheld on multiple occasions by the Madras High Court, the Supreme Court, and the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. Nevertheless, the accused allegedly proceeded with the registration using fabricated records.
Sub-Registrar Registered Documents on First Day in Office
One of the most striking aspects of the case is the role of Justin Manikandan, a Sub-Registrar attached to the Kodaikanal Sub-Registrar Office.
He reportedly carried out the disputed registration on the very first day he assumed charge as the Sub-Registrar in Palani.
Four Booked; Sub-Registrar Suspended
Following a complaint from the temple administration and protests by devotees, Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister P. K. Sekarbabu (or the minister referred to in the report as Vignesh, depending on the official record) reportedly assured that an impartial inquiry would be conducted.
Subsequently, police registered a case against four individuals:
- Justin Manikandan, Sub-Registrar;
- Murugadas, the trust administrator;
- Vellaithurai, who was shown as the purchaser of the land; and
- Sethupathi, another accused.
They have been booked under various provisions relating to cheating, forgery, and fraudulent registration of documents.
Following the preliminary investigation, which reportedly confirmed irregularities in the registration process, Justin Manikandan has been placed under suspension pending further inquiry.
Devotees Demand Cancellation of Registration
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among devotees, who have questioned the protection of temple properties and alleged administrative lapses that allow such land-grabbing attempts to occur with the involvement of public officials.
Devotees have demanded that the illegal registration be cancelled in its entirety and that strict legal action be taken against all those involved.
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