Tiruvarur Thyagarajaswamy temple. File
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu

The Madras Excessive Courtroom has refused to intrude with a show-cause discover issued by Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Spiritual and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) division, searching for a proof from Sri-la-Sri Sathya Gnana Mahadeva Desika Paramachariya Swamigal of Velakurichi Mutt, relating to alleged mismanagement of properties belonging to 2 Kattalais of the traditional Thyagarajaswamy temple in Tiruvarur.

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy dismissed a writ petition pending within the Excessive Courtroom since 2002 and directed the Mutt head to submit a proof to the HR&CE Commissioner inside 4 weeks relating to the alleged mismanagment, occupation of Kattalai (endowment) properties by third events, and non-cooperation of the Kattalaidars in correct administration of the properties.

“If the petitioner submits a contemporary clarification, together with any earlier explanations, these shall be thought of by the respondents (HR&CE division) in accordance with the legislation … the petitioner may even be given due alternative, together with the prospect for a private listening to, and the matter shall be determined in accordance with the legislation,” the choose ordered whereas deciding the 23-year-old case.

The choose identified that the Tiruvarur Thyagaraja Swamy temple had a wealthy historical past, and its Aazhi Ther (temple chariot) was the biggest in South India and broadly recognized. A peculiar function of the temple was that it didn’t have any immovable properties straight registered in its identify. The administration of the temple was overseen by 13 Kattalais established for various functions.

Every of these Kattalais had been endowed with a number of hectares of properties used for fulfilling the temple’s wants. Of the 13 Kattalais, Abisheka Kattalai and Annadhana Kattalai have been essentially the most vital. The Aadheena Karthars of Velakurichi Mutt function the hereditary trustees of those two Kattalais associated to abishekam (ablution of the deity) and annadhanam (serving meals to devotees).

The British authorities had taken over the administration of the Kattalai properties in 1817 however returned them in 1842. Thereafter, the HR&CE Act of 1927 empowered the then HR&CE Board to notifiy temples and particular endowments in instances of mismanagement. Accordingly, an Government Officer was appointed for the administration of the temple in 1937, the choose stated.

Justice Chakravarthy additional identified the Paramacharya Swamigal himself had admitted that although the 2 Kattalais had 3,900 acres of land as of 1937, practically 2,600 acres had been misplaced over the a long time, leaving the Kattalais with simply 1,300 acres at current. Although the Mutt head pointed fingers on the Government Officer in administration since 1937, the HR&CE division, in flip, accused the petitioner of non-cooperation.

“Whether or not this accusation is factually appropriate or not is a separate query that can not be addressed on the show-cause discover stage. Nevertheless, I imagine that given the character of the belief concerned and the truth that such a big and essential temple depends fully on its kattalais for its capabilities, I can not settle for the petitioner’s declare that no causes are offered within the show-cause discover,” the choose stated.

He recorded the submission of senior counsel A.Ok. Sriram, representing the Government Officer, that the writ petitioner being an ascetic wouldn’t be capable to handle giant tracts of land belonging to the 2 Kattalais and that he had appointed managers to manage even the Velakurichi Aadheenam properties. Particular Authorities Pleader (HR&CE) N.R.R. Arun Natarajan too opposed the petitioner’s plea to quash the show-cause discover.