Have Contempt Notices Been Issued to Top TN Bureaucrats Over Temple Land Case?
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Synopsis
The Madras High Court's recent issuance of contempt notices to senior IAS officers highlights serious issues surrounding temple land encroachment in Tamil Nadu. As allegations of non-compliance with court orders surface, the case underscores the ongoing struggle to protect religious properties from unlawful occupation.
Key Takeaways
- Madras High Court takes a strong stance on contempt of court.
- Senior IAS officers are held accountable for temple land encroachment.
- Importance of timely compliance with court orders emphasized.
- The case reflects broader issues of protecting religious properties.
- Next hearing scheduled for July 10.
Chennai, June 24 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has issued contempt notices to five senior IAS officers and a Joint Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department due to a contempt of court case pertaining to the non-compliance of a 2024 directive regarding temple land encroachment in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district.
A division bench led by Chief Justice K.R. Shriram and Justice Sunder Mohan noted that a prima facie case of contempt was evident and mandated that notices be delivered to the implicated officials.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 10.
The contempt petition was submitted by S. Vinoth Raghavendran, the Tamil Nadu state Secretary of the BJP’s spiritual and temple development wing, who alleged that the officials did not adhere to the orders of the High Court issued on April 18, 2024, concerning the alleged encroachment of land owned by the historic Devanathaswamy Temple in Cuddalore.
In his previous petition, Raghavendran claimed that St. Joseph’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School was unlawfully utilizing land that belongs to the temple, citing two specific survey numbers that he asserted were registered in the temple’s name.
During the 2024 proceedings, the HR&CE Department informed the court that the school had previously filed its own writ petition in 2009, and in 2019, a single judge had directed the Tamil Nadu government to allocate alternative land measuring at least 4.5 acres, either in Bhuvanagiri village or in another suitable location.
Despite the court's 2019 ruling, the HR&CE counsel acknowledged that the proposal for land allocation to the school had been pending with the state government for over five years.
Expressing concern over the ongoing delay, the division bench in April 2024 instructed the government to identify and allocate the alternative land within six months. The court also addressed broader issues regarding encroachments on temple properties, noting the department’s commitment to carry out a comprehensive survey within three months, with legal action to be initiated wherever encroachments were identified.
Based on this commitment, the writ petition was concluded.
However, asserting that the authorities had not taken action on the land allocation or the promised survey, the BJP functionary returned to the High Court with a contempt petition.
In response, the court issued notices to the officials in key roles during that time - P. Amudha (former Revenue Secretary), S. Madhumathi (former School Education Secretary), B. Chandramohan (former HR&CE Secretary), P.N. Sridhar (former HR&CE Commissioner), Sibi Adhithya Senthilkumar (former Cuddalore District Collector), and a Joint Commissioner of the HR&CE Department, whose name remains undisclosed.
Point of View
The issuance of contempt notices by the Madras High Court reflects the judiciary's commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect religious properties. It emphasizes the importance of accountability among public officials and the need for timely action in matters concerning community assets. This case is a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in preserving cultural heritage.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the contempt notices?
The contempt notices were triggered by allegations that senior IAS officers failed to comply with a 2024 court order regarding temple land encroachment in Cuddalore.
Who filed the contempt petition?
The contempt petition was filed by S. Vinoth Raghavendran, the Tamil Nadu state Secretary of the BJP’s spiritual and temple development wing.
What is the significance of the Devanathaswamy Temple case?
The case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal encroachment on temple properties and the need for government accountability in protecting these religious sites.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for July 10.
What has the HR&CE Department stated regarding the case?
The HR&CE Department admitted that the proposal for land allocation to St. Joseph’s School has been pending with the state government for over five years.
