Madras High Court directs Chidambaram Temple to furnish financial records amid allegations of unauthorized constructions. The court’s order underscores the need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
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Chennai: On Thursday, the Madras High Court has made a pivotal decision regarding the Thillai Nataraja Temple, a revered site nestled in the heart of Chidambaram.The court issued a directive to the Podhu Dikshitars, the traditional custodians of the temple, mandating the submission of financial records for the past three years. This order emerges amidst allegations of unauthorized constructions within the temple premises, raising concerns over the preservation of this ancient heritage site.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Commissioner, in a petition to the court, accused the Podhu Dikshitars of embarking on construction and alteration projects without the necessary approvals from the state-level expert committee. This accusation has sparked a legal examination into the governance and maintenance practices at the temple.
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During the court session, presided over by Justices R Mahadevan and D Audikesavalu, the department’s counsel presented a compelling argument. Despite previous assurances from the Dikshitars that the temple’s structural integrity would remain untouched, evidence suggested otherwise.
“Alterations to the temple structure had occurred,”
-the counsel emphasized,
Pointing to a discrepancy between the temple’s reported income and the actual financial activities. Specifically, the income for the year 2023-24 was officially recorded as Rs 2 lakh, yet the revenue generated from the Thiruvathirai day pujas alone was reported to be a staggering Rs 6 lakh.
In defense, Harishankar, representing the Podhu Dikshitars, staunchly refuted these allegations. He argued that no illegal constructions had been undertaken and accused the department of attempting to indirectly interfere with the temple’s maintenance. This defense highlights the ongoing tension between the temple’s custodians and government authorities over the control and management of religious sites.
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Taking into account the arguments from both sides, the court has taken a decisive step by ordering the Podhu Dikshitars and the associated trust to furnish detailed accounts of the last three years. This includes providing income tax returns and video evidence to conclusively demonstrate that no unauthorized constructions have taken place within the temple premises. This directive aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of one of Tamil Nadu’s most iconic religious landmarks.