The Supreme Court has decided to take up, on merits, petitions challenging Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) laws and seeking transfer of temples under the departments’ control to private management in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.
A Bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna is hearing the matter, filed by Coimbatore-based spiritual leader Swami Dayananda Saraswati and others. On April 1, 2025, the court had directed challengers to seek relief before the respective High Courts.
During the latest hearing, petitioners argued that the HR&CE laws in the three states deal with largely similar issues and provisions, and that a Supreme Court hearing would avoid the risk of differing rulings from different High Courts. The submission was not opposed.
Accepting the request, the Bench recalled its earlier order and said the main writ petitions will be re-listed for direct hearing by the Supreme Court.
Senior advocate Sai Deepak, appearing for the petitioners, also informed the court that fresh petitions have been filed challenging specific provisions of the Tamil Nadu HR&CE law and sought that they be heard along with the main case. The Bench said all related petitions will be heard in detail and adjourned the matter to July 24.
