Former Inspector General of Police, AG Pon Manickavel, known for his relentless pursuit of justice in idol theft cases, has once again made headlines. This time, he lodged a police complaint alleging the misappropriation of temple funds by officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department in Tamil Nadu.
In a detailed written complaint submitted to the Officer-in-charge of the Pattukottai Police Station, Manickavel has accused N Ravichandran, the former Executive Officer of Naadi Amman Koil in Pattukottai, along with the then Joint Commissioner of HR and CE, Thanjavur District, of a series of cognizable offences. The complaint, dated April 8, 2024, alleges that these officials committed crimes such as criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation on February 25, 2020.
Manickavel’s complaint underscores the legal obligations under Section 154(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) for registering such cognizable offences. He asserts that the alleged misuse of temple funds, which came to light through information obtained via Right to Information (RTI) requests, constitutes a serious breach of trust. Temple funds, legally entrusted for the maintenance and expenses of the respective temples, are sacrosanct and must be utilised solely for their intended purposes.
In his complaint, Manickavel emphasises the significance of temple funds, stating that they are the property of the temples and should be used exclusively for temple-related expenses or the upkeep of deity idols. Any diversion of these funds for other purposes by authorities within the HR and CE departments, including the Commissioner or HR and CE Minister, would amount to malversation of temple property. He cites a legal precedent, the judgment in “Gadgayya Vs Guru Sidhesvar” (1897), to support his argument that such actions could constitute criminal misappropriation.
Manickavel’s advocacy for the protection of temple funds aligns with his longstanding commitment to upholding the sanctity of religious institutions and preserving cultural heritage. As the former head of the Idol Wing, his efforts to combat idol theft and recover stolen artefacts have garnered widespread acclaim.
The complaint, submitted to the Officer-in-charge of the Pattukottai Police Station, accuses N. Ravichandran, the former Executive Officer of Naadi Amman Koil in Pattukottai, along with the then Joint Commissioner of HR&CE, Thanjavur District, of illegally withdrawing and misappropriating Rs 6648 from the temple fund for personal expenses purportedly incurred by the HR&CE Commissioner in February 2020.
According to Manickavel, any diversion of temple funds for personal use constitutes malversation of temple property, punishable under the Indian Penal Code. He has attached documentary evidence, including an RTI Act reply dated January 2021, to support his claim that Ravichandran drew Rs 6648 from the temple fund for personal expenses of the HR&CE Commissioner. Despite potential explanations, Manickavel asserts that drawing temple funds for personal use remains unlawful. He also highlights Ravichandran’s denial of involvement, citing his authorship and signature on the RTI reply as contradictory evidence.
Responding to the allegations, Ravichandran defended the withdrawal of funds, stating that the HR&CE Administration Fund, legally created under Section 92 of the HR&CE Act 1959, covers various administrative and official expenses. He clarified that temple funds are levied and collected from Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu for remittance into the government fund, as mandated by law. However, Manickavel contends that the reported misappropriation constitutes a breach of trust by HR&CE officials.
Manickavel further alleges that HR&CE officials have a history of using temple funds for personal expenses, citing instances of expenditure on meetings and miscellaneous items such as tiffin, coffee, biscuits, petrol, and shaving razors. He demands a thorough investigation into these practices, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency in the management of temple funds.
Highlighting the delay in reporting the alleged offences to the police station, Manickavel criticises subsequent HR&CE officials for omitting to fulfill their legal obligation to report the commission of cognizable offences. He warns that the failure to report such offences is punishable under the law, urging authorities to uphold the principles of justice and uphold the integrity of temple finances.
Manickavel’s complaint underscores the significance of preserving the sanctity of temple funds and ensuring their proper utilisation for the benefit of temples and devotees. As the investigation unfolds, the outcome will determine the accountability of HR&CE officials and the enforcement of legal provisions governing the management of temple finances.
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