High Court gives directions on temple maintenance

Staff Reporter
Madurai, October 23, 2018 00:00 IST
Seeks compliance report from HR and CE Department

Following the submission of inspection reports by District Judges on conditions of temples maintained by the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments as per its orders, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Monday directed them to implement the recommendations.

A Division Bench of Justices M.V. Muralidaran and T. Krishnavalli appreciated the efforts taken by the District Judges, who were asked to file a report after ascertaining basic conditions at the temples maintained by the HR and CE department. The court directed the Department to implement the recommendations as swiftly as possible.

In order to curb duping of devotees, the court directed the department to ensure that pujas at the temple were performed only by legally-appointed priests, and a biometric device be installed to record their entry, besides giving them identity cards. The legally-appointed priests shall not demand additional money from devotees in the pretext of performing special pujas. All devotees should be treated equally, whether they were rich or poor, as everyone was equal before the almighty, the court said.

Taking note of inadequate toilet facilities and poor hygiene in majority of the temples, the court said these problems should be addressed at the earliest and within three months. Also drinking water facilities and security arrangements must be ensured.

Taking cognisance of idol thefts and their recovery, the court said CCTV cameras must be installed to bolster security.

Further, encroachments on temple properties should be identified and removed within six months. The survey numbers of temple land should be displayed at the shrine.

In order to maintain the environmental cover at temples, greenery should be preserved and plastics goods such as water packets and carry bags compulsorily banned. Some of the other recommendations included price board at prasadam stalls and installation of signboards in both Tamil and English.

The court sought a compliance report from the HR and CE Department and posted the case for January 22, 2019.