Tamil Nadu’s religious properties are set for a major cleanup, thanks to Madras High Court’s unambiguous 12-week eviction order against encroachments on Adinams and Mathas. The ruling prioritizes swift justice for age-old spiritual endowments.
Filed in 2018, the petition by Thiruthondar Trust trustee Radhakrishnan targeted illegal seizures at Sengol Adinam in Nedungundram, Thoothukudi. Revelations of similar issues in Tirunelveli prompted the court to tackle the statewide crisis head-on.
The division bench, comprising Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice C. Kumarappan, astutely involved all relevant Matha and Adinam heads. This ensured no corner of the problem escaped scrutiny, fostering a unified resolution strategy.
‘Defending these properties is the government’s sacred obligation,’ the judges declared, setting firm deadlines to curb ongoing depredations. Efficiency and transparency now define the path forward.
The impact reverberates beyond courtrooms, offering hope to devotees and historians alike. Resolving these disputes could unlock lands for pious purposes, revitalizing Tamil Nadu’s temple economy and traditions.
Authorities must marshal resources meticulously over the coming weeks. Judicial oversight guarantees progress, potentially transforming this into a model for encroachment-free religious administration across India.