Divine intervention: 3,003 Tamil Nadu temples, 131 churches, 27 mosques encroach government land
Suresh Kumar | TNN | Feb 23, 2019, 06:33 IST
Madras high courtCHENNAI: The state government on Friday told the Madras high court that 3,003 temples, 131 churches, 27 mosques and seven religious structures of other faiths have been built encroaching upon public land across the state.
S Ramanathan, deputy secretary of municipal administration department, made the submission through a report as directed by the high court on January 4.
The court order came on a plea filed by Ramakrishnan, general secretary, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, in 2004 seeking implementation of a government order dated April 29, 1968, over removing a Vinayaka temple constructed on public land.
On January 4, when the plea came up for hearing, Justice S M Subramaniam observed that even a deity in a temple cannot commit an act of encroachment. The rule of law could not be diluted merely because the offence was committed by a deity. Encroaching public lands in the name of religion affects religious sentiments and emotions of people, the judge said.
“An encroachment is an encroachment. Encroachment can never be allowed. Even a temple deity, as a legal person, cannot commit an act of encroachment. If a deity in a temple commits an act of encroachment, that will also to be dealt with in accordance with law, and because it is a deity, the rule of law cannot be diluted,” Justice Subramaniam had said.
HC seeks report on temples encroaching public land
Noting that land mafia and land grabbers were using temples and other religious places to occupy public lands, the judge directed the state government to file a counter with details of temples, churches and mosques encroaching public land, poromboke lands and waterbodies.
When the plea came up for hearing on Friday, Justice Subramaniam said that the roaster of the court has changed now and that he is no more in charge of the portfolio to hear the case. The judge said that he would refer the matter to the Chief Justice to forward the plea before the appropriate judge.
S Ramanathan, deputy secretary of municipal administration department, made the submission through a report as directed by the high court on January 4.
The court order came on a plea filed by Ramakrishnan, general secretary, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, in 2004 seeking implementation of a government order dated April 29, 1968, over removing a Vinayaka temple constructed on public land.
On January 4, when the plea came up for hearing, Justice S M Subramaniam observed that even a deity in a temple cannot commit an act of encroachment. The rule of law could not be diluted merely because the offence was committed by a deity. Encroaching public lands in the name of religion affects religious sentiments and emotions of people, the judge said.
“An encroachment is an encroachment. Encroachment can never be allowed. Even a temple deity, as a legal person, cannot commit an act of encroachment. If a deity in a temple commits an act of encroachment, that will also to be dealt with in accordance with law, and because it is a deity, the rule of law cannot be diluted,” Justice Subramaniam had said.
HC seeks report on temples encroaching public land
Noting that land mafia and land grabbers were using temples and other religious places to occupy public lands, the judge directed the state government to file a counter with details of temples, churches and mosques encroaching public land, poromboke lands and waterbodies.
When the plea came up for hearing on Friday, Justice Subramaniam said that the roaster of the court has changed now and that he is no more in charge of the portfolio to hear the case. The judge said that he would refer the matter to the Chief Justice to forward the plea before the appropriate judge.
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE