Money donated at the temples beng counted
Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led government informed the Madras High Court that they would live stream the opening of donation boxes of 48 temples. The State government announced its decision in wake of the public interest litigation pleas filed by Rangarajan Narasimhan, who brought attention to the theft of cash and gold ornaments from temple donation boxes. The case was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy of the Madras High Court.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department informed the court that the state had issued a circular instructing the identified temples to adhere to the provisions of the Installation, Safeguarding, and Accounting of Hundial Rules of 1975. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the handling of temple donations, ensuring that the process is accessible to the public through online platforms. The decision reflects a proactive measure by the government to address concerns and uphold the sanctity of temple funds.
In response to growing concerns over irregularities in the management of temple funds, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government submitted a counter affidavit in a case before the Madras High Court. The case, centered on allegations of mismanagement, prompted the DMK government to assure the court that transparency measures are being implemented.
According to the government’s submission, temple officials swiftly record details of cash, ornaments, and other items found in donation boxes once opened. Notably, hundiyal boxes (offertories) are frequently opened in public, and a temple book containing records of gifts is signed by two members of the general public during new entries. The court, considering these assurances, has scheduled a hearing for January 11, 2024.
These developments come against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi’s recent remarks during a Telangana campaign, where he alleged that the Tamil Nadu state government has undue control over temples, accusing them of looting temple resources. The PM highlighted a purported conspiracy involving governments and emphasized the need to safeguard the autonomy of worship places.
Under the successive rule of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, allegations of misappropriation of temple funds have surfaced, with viral videos on social media showcasing Executive Officers pocketing money, jewels, and diamonds. Such incidents have resulted in the filing of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) in the High Court. The misuse of temple funds for luxury items such as cars, office construction, and refreshments running into lakhs has been reported. Criminal misappropriation has led to poor maintenance, loss of rare idols, alienation of temple properties, and encroachments by influential figures.
Furthermore, the HR and CE departments has faced criticism for its lax approach in collecting revenues from temple properties, including lands on lease and rental arrears from shops and buildings. Revealing details through RTI queries, it was disclosed that funds from numerous temples were diverted for purchasing computers for HR & CE offices and for the repair or construction of office toilets with expensive and luxurious sanitary wares. The revelations underscore the pressing need for accountability and proper management of temple resources in the state.
In response to growing concerns over irregularities in the management of temple funds, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government submitted a counter affidavit in a case before the Madras High Court. The case, centred on allegations of mismanagement, prompted the DMK government to assure the court that transparency measures are being implemented.
According to the government’s submission, temple officials swiftly record details of cash, ornaments, and other items found in donation boxes once opened. Notably, hundiyal boxes (offertories) are frequently opened in public, and a temple book containing records of gifts is signed by two members of the general public during new entries. The court, considering these assurances, has scheduled a hearing for January 11, 2024.
These developments come against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi’s recent remarks during a Telangana campaign, where he alleged that the Tamil Nadu state government has undue control over temples, accusing them of looting temple resources. The PM highlighted a purported conspiracy involving governments and emphasised the need to safeguard the autonomy of worship places.
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