A fresh controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department issued directions to lift a ban on registering documents related to temple lands in Karur district.
According to the order issued by HR&CE Commissioner Vinay to the Tiruppur Joint Commissioner, about 3,085 acres linked to four temples—Pugazhimalai Balasubramaniyar, Kalyana Pasupatheeswarar, Kuppuschipalayam Raveeswarar and Venkamangudalur Vikrutheeswarar—were originally recorded in the temples’ names, but pattas were later issued to private individuals.
The department said a registration restriction had been imposed earlier “by mistake” by HR&CE officials. Citing revenue department records, the Karur Collector reportedly recommended that the restriction could be removed. The order notes that 3,390 patta holders would benefit and instructs temple executive officers to take immediate steps to lift the ban.
The directive has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and several Hindu organisations, who alleged it would facilitate the transfer of temple assets to encroachers. Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran and representatives including TR Ramesh, Adhiseshan and Hindu Tamilar Katchi leader Ram Ravikumar condemned the move and questioned the department’s role in safeguarding temple properties.
