Madras High Court Dismisses Appeal Challenging Chidambaram Temple Takeover

Ashwin Shuddha Chaturthi, Kaliyug Varsha 5111

Chennai: Madras High Court today upheld a 1987 Tamil Nadu government order appointing an Executive Officer (EO) for managing the endowments and vast immovable property of the ancient Sri Sabhanayagar Temple.

A division bench comprising Justices K Ravi Raja Pandian and T Raja dismissed an appeal by Podu Dikshidars (PD) challenging a single judge&aposs order upholding state government&aposs July 31, 1987 order.

The bench also held that"there is a clear demarcation of powers to be executed by the EO and Podu Dikshidars which could only be for better and efficient administration of the temple", better known as Lord Nataraja temple in Chidambaram.

Stating that the commissioner for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) had rightly concluded that the PD&aposs had continuously neglected their duties, the Judges said if the temple, established by Cholas and Pandyas and rulers of Viajayanagaram between 10th and 13th centuries, had been properly administered and managed, it would have been one of of the richest temples in the country.

The EO, the Bench said, having seen the importance of preserving the old beauty, antiquity, archaeological and historical value of the temple, in consultation with Joint Commissioner of HR&CE had submitted a proposal for a grant of Rs 50 crore to the government for the purpose.

Noting there had been a large scale misappropriation of temple funds and mismanagement of the 400 acres of its land prior to the appointment of the EO, the Judges said,"still if this court interferes with the appointment of the EO, this court will be failing in its duty to safeguard and preserve ancient and historical value and importance of the temple.

Source: indopia.in

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