A fresh land-sale controversy, described as similar to the Palani temple land case, has surfaced in Tamil Nadu. Allegations have been raised that properties linked to the Soundararaja Perumal Temple at Thadikombu in Dindigul district are being shifted to a private trust and sold.
Hindu Tamilar Katchi leader Ram Ravikumar said the temple has 20.47 acres of land, which he claimed has a market value of about Rs 600 crore. He said the land was donated to the temple in 1905 and 1923 by Balusamy Iyer to permanently fund religious and charitable services such as Chithra Pournami mandagapadi, thirumanjanam, offerings and annadhanam.
According to him, these are “specific religious endowment” properties and cannot be sold by heirs, with the administration reverting fully to the temple if there are no heirs. He alleged that trustees, despite knowing the legal status of the land, formed a trust in 2024 under the name “Balusamy Iyer and Brothers Trust” and portrayed the endowment properties as if they were private trust assets.
He further alleged that the temple and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department were not included in the case, and that incorrect information was presented in court to obtain a favourable order on December 5, 2025 to enable sale. He claimed that 5.44 acres have since been sold to third parties and that registration has been completed, with steps under way to make the transfer permanent.
Ravikumar said complaints have been submitted to the Superintendent of Police, the District Collector and HR&CE officials, seeking action against those involved and any officials who allegedly facilitated the registrations.
