The Madras High Court has taken a serious view of the continued encroachment of temple land and has issued notices to several high-ranking government officials in a contempt plea. The bench comprising Chief Justice KR Shriram and Justice Sunder Mohan issued these notices in a contempt petition filed by S. Vinoth Ragavendran, highlighting the alleged non-compliance with a previous court order regarding the removal of encroachment on temple land.
The court directed notices to Ms. P. Amudha IAS, Secretary to Government – Department of Revenue and Disaster Management; Ms. S. Madhumathi IAS, Secretary to Government – Department of School Education; Dr. B. Chandramohan IAS, Secretary to Government – Department of Tourism, Culture and HR & CE Department; Mr. PN Sridhar IAS, Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Administration Department; Ms. Sibi Adithiya Senthilkumar IAS, District Collector of Cuddalore; and two joint commissioners from the HR & CE Department.
"The notices were issued after the petitioner claimed that the court's earlier directive to relocate a school functioning on temple land was not complied with," the bench observed.
S. Vinoth Ragavendran had previously approached the court alleging that St. Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School was operating on temple land without proper authorization. He contended that despite the High Court’s directions issued in April 2024, the encroachment had not been cleared and no alternative land had been provided for the school.
During the earlier proceedings, the Special Government Pleader had informed the court that the school had filed a writ petition earlier, following which the court had ordered the State to find alternate land for the school. The court had specifically instructed that, if possible, the land should be close to the town or village and have easy access to a main road.
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The proposal for alternative allotment is still pending with the government, the State's counsel had submitted, indicating a prolonged delay in the compliance of court orders.
The High Court had pointed out that the directive to identify and allot alternate land was issued nearly five years ago. Disappointed with the lack of action, the court had given the State six more months to complete the process and implement the order.
However, with no visible steps taken to execute the court’s direction even after the extended timeline, Ragavendran moved the court again. This time, he sought contempt proceedings against the officials responsible for non-compliance.
"Despite clear directions from the court, no effective steps have been taken to allot alternate land or remove the encroachment," the contempt plea stated.
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The case highlights the growing concern over the encroachment of temple properties and the administrative delays in resolving such disputes, even after judicial intervention. The court's decision to issue contempt notices reflects its intent to ensure accountability among public officials.
The matter is currently pending further hearing before the Madras High Court.
Case Title: S Vinoth Raghavendran v. Ms. P. Amudha and Others
Case Number: Cont P 519 of 2025
