Remove encroachments from temple tank: Madras HC

Chennai: Madras high court has directed the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) to remove the encroachment, including commercial and residential buildings, from tank of Lord Vengeesvarar Temple, near the famous Sri Vadapalani Murugan temple, Kodambakkam and restore the tank immediately.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice P.T Asha, before which a PIL from J. Mohanraj came up for hearing, said, “The department shall immediately initiate steps for removal of all encroachments for restoration of the tank in accordance with law, upon notice to the alleged encroachers. There can be no question of any construction on a water body. The police, revenue and corporation authorities shall be bound by this order and shall render necessary assistance to the HR & CE department.”

Mohanraj, son of Nellai Jebamani, a freedom fighter, submitted that based on his petition the court earlier directed the HR&CE department to dispose of his representation after giving notice to him within a month. Following this the authorities conducted an enquiry.

However commissioner of HR&CE department informed him that he was unable to take action.

Mohanraj said former trustee of the temple had converted a vast stretch of temple land for commercial purpose. The land was divided into 26 residential plots and five buildings were constructed in the place. No permission was obtained from HR&CE for such usage.

The former trustee, who was sacked from the post because of his misdeeds, continues to control the administration as his wife was made one of the trustees, the petitioner said.  

The Department audit reports also held that the temple administration committed irregularities.

On March 10, 2018 he sent a representation to the Commissioner, HR&CE to initiate criminal action against the former trustee and sought for a direction from the Court to take action on the above representation of him and to restore the tank.

Maharajan counsel for HR&CE, submitted that one of the trustees transferred the land to a third party, who had filled up the tank and made constructions.

The trustee was expelled and proceedings initiated against him