The Madras High Court has criticised the government for ordering the closure of temples citing a clash between two groups, observing that such a step reflects the inability of officials to manage the situation.
The case relates to the Basavanaswamy and Mandu Mariamman temples at Thottapoovathi village in Krishnagiri district. Following a dispute between two sections of villagers, the Revenue Divisional Officer issued an order on April 12, 2025, directing that the temples be closed.
Challenging the order, hereditary trustee Selvaraj and eight others approached the High Court seeking to quash it. The petition was heard by Justice Krishnan Ramasamy.
In its order, the court noted that the temples have existed for over a century on public or government poramboke land. It held that neither the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department nor private individuals can prevent people from worshipping in temples established for public worship, and that temples should not be closed under any circumstances.
The court said law-and-order concerns cannot be used to shut a temple and that it must remain open for devotees at all times. It added that those who create law-and-order problems can face criminal action, and if the dispute continues without resolution, the HR&CE Department may take over temple administration until peace is restored between the groups.
